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MEMORIALS 



CONCERNING 



D E C E A S E D r R I E N D S , 



PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION 



YEARLY MEE T I N G 



NEW YORK. 



NEW YORK : 
JAMES EGBERT, PRINTER, 321 PEARL STREET. 

18 5 9. 



x^ 







MEMORIALS, Etc. 



Memorial of Jericho Monthly Meeting of Friendi^ 
concerning our ancient Friend Elias Hicks. 

We belieye the example exhibited in the life 
and religious exercise of this our beloved Friend, 
is eminently calculated to set forth the efficacy 
and sufficiency of that Divine grace, which, when 
believed in and obeyed, bringeth salvation. • 

He was born in the town of Hempstead, Queens 
County, Long Island, State of New- York, the 19th 
day of the 3d month, 1748. His parents' names were 
John and Martha Hicks. At the age of seventeen 
he was placed as an apprentice to learn the trade 
of a carpenter : on the expiration of his term, he 
returned to his father, with whom he lived until 
the time of his marriage, which took place about the 
twenty -third year of his age, to Jemima, daughter 
of Jonathan and Elizabeth Seaman, of Jericho, in 
said county, where he resided the remainder of 
his life. 

From his own account we learn, that when very 
young , he was favored with clear and powerful 



4 iViEMURIAL OF 

impressions of Divine gvcjce, operating on his 
mind as a reprover for evil, which not duly regard- 
ing, and being naturally of a lively and active dis- 
position, he associated with those who indulged in 
the vanities and amusements too common in the 
world, though mostly in things deemed innocent 
by the generality of mankind. But the gift of 
Divine grace, which was so early manifested, did 
not forsake him, though he often strove to stifle 
its convictions, but followed him in judgment, and 
in mercy, until a willingness was wrought in him 
to give up all to follow Christ, in the regeneration. 
On one occasion, when preparing to join in the 
dance, and surrounded by his jovial companions, 
the pure witness rose so powerfully in his mind, 
and so clearly set before him the evil tendency of 
the course he was pursuing, that he reasoned not 
with flesh and blood, but gave up to the heavenly 
vision, and in deep contrition and prostration of 
soul, entered into covenant with the God of his 
life, that if he would be pleased to furnish him with 
stroigth, he would endeavor not to be again found 
in the like disobedience ; w^hich covenant, through 
mercy, he was favored to keep inviolate. Thus, 
submitting to the purifying operation of the Holy 
Ghost and fire, he was, in due time qualified and 
called to declare to others what God had done for 
his soul ; under the Divine anointing, he was en- 



ELIAS HICKS. 5 

abled to unfold the truths of the gospel, in the de- 
monstration of the spirit and with power. And, 
through a faithful obedience to that which had be- 
gun the good work in him, he became an eminent 
instrument in the Lord's hand, for the promotion 
of truth and righteousness in the earth. 

He first appeared in the ministry, about the 
twenty-seventh year of his age, and from this 
period, his time and talents were devoted to the 
cause of his Divine Master, laboring diligently 
for its advancement, not only at home, and in his 
own neighborhood, but in most parts of this con- 
tinent, where there are settlements of Friends, and 
also, in many places, amongst those not of our so- 
ciety. In declaring what he believed to be the 
counsel of God, he was bold and fearless, and his 
ministry, though unadorned with the embellish- 
ments of human learning, was clear and powerful. 
In argument he was strong and convincing, and 
his appeals to the experience and convictions of 
his hearers, were striking and appropriate. He 
saw, and deeply lamented, the great departure of 
many in the Society of Friends, from that plain- 
ness and simplicity, and that godly sincerity, 
which characterized it in the beginning. Hence 
he felt himself called upon, under the influence of 
the love of the gospel, to admonish his brethren 
in religious profession, to rally to the ancient stan- 



6 MEMORIAT. OF 

dard, tlie light of truth manifested in the heart, 
and to follow no man any farther than he should 
be found a follower of Christ. He assailed the 
strong holds of superstition and bigotry, with great 
boldness, which sometimes alarmed the timid, and 
roused the prejudices of others. Yet to the can- 
did inquirer, and sincere seeker after truth, he 
breathed the language of encouragement, of con- 
solation and of comfort. His great and primary 
concern was to draw the minds of the people to 
practical righteousness — from all outward depen- 
dance to the sure foundation, the rock of ages, the 
spirit of truth, the comforter, '' Christ within, the 
hope of glory/' He generally corroborated the 
doctrines which he preached, by appropriate ref- 
erences to the testimonies and experience of those 
who have gone before us, as recorded in the scrip- 
tures of truth. Through the efficacy of that power 
which enabled him to say, *' By the grace of God, 
I am what I am," many were convinced of the 
truth, through his ministry. 

So full and pointed was his testimony against a 
hireling ministry, which he held to be, not only in 
direct violation of the great gospel precept, '* Free- 
ly ye have received freely give,*' but fraught with 
incalculable injury to the best interests of mankind, 
that he sometimes gave offence to those, whose 
minds w^ere strongly biased in its favor. Yet 



ELIAS HICKS. 7 

such was the general kindness and benevolence of 
his character, that he did not willingly give of- 
fence to any. While he condemned the practice, 
he was kind and charitable to those, who, through 
the influence of education and early prejudice, dif- 
fered from him on this subject. Such was his con- 
cern that his example should comport with his 
testimony, that he was scrupulously careful to de- 
fray his own expenses when travelling as a minis- 
ter. 

When his meetings were attended by a large 
concourse of persons of various denominations, the 
solemnity and stillness that prevailed, were often 
very remarkable, reminding us of the testimony 
of primitive Friends, that the power accompany- 
ing their gospel labors, so overshadowed the as- 
semblies, that truth reigned over all. Being deep- 
ly sensible of his own inability to promote the 
cause of truth and righteousness without divine aid, 
he was engaged to dwell near the fountain of light 
and life, and to minister as this opened and gave abi- 
lity. He was indeed an example of Christian humi- 
lity, and eminently preserved from being elated' 
by the applause of men, or depressed by their cen- 
sure. Many were the exercises which he felt on 
account of the evils which abound in the world ; 
and the oppressed condition of the African race 
excited his tenderest sympathy. Their cause en- 



8 MEMORIAL OF 

gaged bis earnest solicitude for the greater part of 
his life, and he was often led feelingly and power- 
fully to advocate it. We believe that many 
were convinced, through his labors, of the cruel- 
ty and injustice of holding them in bondage. He 
bore for many years a faithful testimony against 
slavery, by carefully abstaining from the use of 
articles which he believed to be produced by the 
labor of slaves. When at home and not engaged 
in services more strictly of a religious character, 
he labored diligently with his own hands, believ- 
ing it the duty of all to be usefully employed in 
obtaining the necessaries of life, and when acquir- 
ed, he acted as a steward under the direction of 
the bouutiful giver, being restrained from using 
them for selfish gratification. In the various re- 
lations of life, he was a bright example, worthy 
of imitation ; he was an affectionate husband ; and 
as a father and guardian, his concern for the reli- 
gious and moral education of his children and 
those placed under his care, was very great, that 
they might be brought up in the fear and admoni- 
tion of the Lord. For these ends he exercised 
the authority of a parent with firmness, but in 
much tenderness and love. His tender sympathy 
was excited for the poor, to whom he was a kind 
and liberal friend, often supplying their necessities. 
It may be truly said of him, that he was a man, 



ELIAS HICKS. 9 

fearing God and hating covetousness. He was a 
peace-maker, endeavoring, both by precept and 
example, to promote harmony in his neighbor- 
hood, and in this respect he was very useful — his 
Christian deportment having gained the confidence 
and affection of his neighbors. He was very dili- 
gent in the attendance of religious meetings, and 
often led to encourage others, assuring them, 
from his own experience, that none could expect 
to increase in the Divine life, until they considered 
that important duty paramount to temporal con- 
cerns ; he was also conspicuously useful in sup- 
portiDg the discipline of the society. 

At a very advanced age, he continued to labor 
in the Lord's vineyard, with, the same fervent 
zeal, the same dedication of heart, for which he 
had been so eminently distinguished in the earlier 
stages of his life ; and in the exercise of his gift in 
the ministry, he was as lively, clear and cogent as 
at any former period. Having been long taught 
in the school of Christ, and being deeply expe- 
rienced in the things which concern our eternal 
well-being, he was well qualified to administer 
counsel and encouragement to others; and was 
frequently led, feelingly and forcibly to impress 
upon the minds of the rising generation, the im- 
portance and necessity of early attention to the in- 
ward discoveries of divine light; cautioning them 



10 MEMORIAL OF 



n 



not to rest in the tradition of their fathers, but to 
walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing, 
which has led the righteous in all ages safely 
through time ; nor to depend upon the teachings 
of men, for that knowledge which brings life and 
immortality to light in the soul ; declaring that 
faithfulness and obedience to the influence of di- 
vine grace in their own hearts, could only qualify 
them to advance the standard of truth and right- 
eousness in the earth. 

His dedication to the law of the spirit of life in 
Christ Jesus, his firmness in the support of those 
testimonies, which he felt himself called upon to 
maintain, and his plainness in reproving unfaith- 
fulness in others, and bearing testimony against 
every appearance of evil, gave offence to some ; 
yet none of these things moved him, neither count- 
ed he his life dear to himself, so that he might 
finish his course with joy, and the ministry he had 
received, to testify the gospel of the grace of 
God : and we are persuaded that his feet were es- 
tablished upon that rock, against which the pow- 
ers of darkness shall never be able to prevail. He 
was favored, in times of the greatest trial, to ex- 
perience the truth of the prophetic declaration, 
'*Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind 
is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." 

He was favored with a good constitution, and in 



J 



ELIAS HICKS. 11 

the decline of life, was still actively engaged in 
the concerns of society, and industriously employ- 
ed in his temporal avocations. 

His mental powers continued strong and vigo- 
rous to the end of his labors. His comprehensive 
and energetic mind, was apparently but very little 
impaired by the revolution of more than four- 
score years. Within the last two years of his life, 
he travelled extensively in the work of the minis- 
try. 

When he was eighty years of age, he opened in 
this Monthly Meeting a concern to pay a religious 
visit to Friends and others, in some parts of the 
Yearly Meetings of New York, Philadelphia, Bal- 
timore, Virginia, Ohio and Indiana. He obtained 
a certificate of unity and concurrence from this 
Monthly Meeting, endorsed by Westbury Quarter- 
ly Meeting. In this visit he experienced many 
deep probations on account of the unsettled state 
of Society. ** For the divisions of Eeuben, there 
were great searchings of heart.'' Yet he was en. 
abled to accomplish his visit to the Southern and 
Western Yearly Meetings, agreeably to his pros- 
pect. Shortly after his return from this journey, 
he met with a severe affliction, in the loss of his 
beloved companion, with whom he had lived in 
near union and affection for fifty-eight years. 

In the summer of 1829, in pursuance of his pros- 



12 MEMORIAL OF 

pect as before mentioned, he visited most of tlie 
meetings of Friends in the Northern and Western 
parts of our Yearly Meeting. His gospel labors, 
during these arduous and extensive visits, were 
productive of satisfaction and peace to his own 
mind, and were peculiarly seasonable and accep- 
table to his friends, as appears by numerous cer- 
tificates of near unity, which he produced to this 
meeting on his return home ; after which, he at- 
tended all the meetings of Friends in the city of 
New York, and on this Island, very much to their 
satisfaction. In these last visits, as heretofore, 
his gospel labors were remarkably clear and 
powerful, and we trust are profitably remembered 
by many. He seemed renewedly concerned on ac- 
count of the deviations from that plainness and 
simplicity, into which the truth would lead ; and 
expressed the comfort it would be to him, to see a 
reformation in these respects. 

On First-day morning, the 14th of 2nd month 
last, he was engaged in his room writing to a 
friend, until a little after ten o'clock, when he re- 
turned to that occupied by the family, apparently 
just attacked by a paralytic affection, which near- 
ly deprived him of the use of his right side, and of 
the power of speech. Being assisted to a chair, 
near the fire, he manifested by signs, that the let- 
ter which he had just finished, and which had 



ELIAS HICKS. IS 

been dropped by the way, sbould be taken care of; 
and on its being brought to hinri, appeared satis- 
fied ; and manifested a desire that all should sit 
down and be still, seemingly sensible that his la 
bors were brought to a close, and only desirous of 
quietly waiting the final change. The solemn 
composure at this time manifest in his counte- 
nance, was very impressive; indicating that he 
was sensible the time of his departure was at hand, 
and that the prospect of death brought no terrors 
with it. During his last illness, his mental facul- 
ties were occasionally obscured, yet he was at 
times enabled to give satisfactory evidence to 
those around him, that all was well, and that he 
felt nothing in his way. 

His dependance had long been upon that arm of 
power alone, which supported him under every 
probation, and near the conclusion of the letter 
above *^ alluded to, he thus expressed himself: 
'* And if we are favored to gain an inheritance in 
that blissful and peaceful abode, where the wicked 
cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest, 
we must ascribe it all to the unmerited mercy and 
loving kindness of our Heavenly Father, who re- 
mains to be God over all, blessed forever"! He 
continued gradually to decline until the evening 
of the 27th, when he quietly passed from the trials 



L 



14 MEMORIAL OP 

of time, wo doubt not, to receive the reward of the 
righteous. 

riis funeral took place on Fourth day, the 3d, 
of Third month. It was attended by a large con- 
course of Friends and others, and a solid meeting 
was held on the occasion ; after which, his remains 
were interred in Friends' burial ground at this 
place. 

Signed by direction, and on behalf of Jericho 
Monthly Meeting, held 4th month, J 5th, 1830. 

WILLET ROBBINS, > p, , 
ABIGAIL HICKS, i ^^^''^'' 



At Westbury Quarterly Meeting, held at West- 
bury, the 22nd of 4th month, 1830. 

A memorial of Jerico Monthly Meeting, con- 
cerning our late beloved friend Elias Hicks, was 
produced and read, and being satisfactory to the 
meeting, was approved, directed to be endorsed 
and forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings. 

Signed on behalf of the meeting by 

STEPHEN UNDERHILL, > ^; , 
SARAH COCK. ( Klerks. 



WARREfV FERRIS. 16 

A Testimony of Queenshury Monthly Meetings con 
cerning our beloved jPne;t^ Warren Ferris, de- 
ceased. 

He was born at Paulings Town, Dutchess Conn 
ty, the 19th of 3d mo., 1791. In the early part of 
his life it appears, that, by not attending to the re- 
proofs of Divine instruction manifested in his own 
mind, he was drawn into vanity and folly ; repeat- 
ed and great were his conflicts whilst he pursued 
that path, and continued to a^soei^±e^with^vain and 
unprofitable companions; until at length, he so 
learned obedience by the things which he suffered, 
that he gave up to the operation of the Spirit of 
Christ upon his mind, in the faith of its sanctify- 
ing power; and therein experienced the consola- 
tion of his Heavenly Father's love. Having been 
thus humbled, under the operation of the power of 
Truth, he soon became qualified for usefulness in 
the militant Church ; and about the twentieth year 
of his age, he requested the care of Friends, and 
was received a member of Queensbury Monthly 
Meeting, and soon became an able minister of the 
Gospel of Christ ; and being of strong and ready 
abilities, and his mind improved and enlarged by 
the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, he be- 
came qualified for the promotion of the cause of 
Truth and righteousness, in which he was engag- 



16 MEMOKIAL OP 

ed ; being careful that his example should corres- 
pond with the precepts he delivered. He was dili- 
gent and seasonable in the attendance of meetings, 
and was careful in encouraging his family in this 
imporant duty. He was not frequent in his public 
appearances, being diligent in waiting to experi- 
ence a renewed qualification for service before he 
attempted to move, either in tiie ministry, or in the 
transaction of the discipline; well knowing, that 
without a fresh anointing, any endeavors to act 
must prove ineffectual, and tend to centre in life- 
less formality, against which, he was concerned 
zealously to bear tesimony — be was a faithful 
watchman on the walls of Zion. His ministry 
was lively and instructive, accompanied with fer- 
vent zeal for the honor of God, and good of souls ; 
manifesting an earnest desire that all should come 
to the knowledge of the Truth and be saved, and 
many can say they have felt the comfortable effects 
of his labors. He often expressed his desire that 
Friends might dwell deep and prosper in the 
Truth ; at the same time observing that he feared 
this was not the case with all, saying, there seem- 
ed to be too much human contrivance, which would 
never do. He did not travel much abroad in the 
exercise of his gift, yet some years before his 
death, he performed a visit within the compass of 
Nine Partners'^ Quarterly Meeting, having pre- 



WAKREN FERRIS. 17 

viously obtained the unity and sympathy of Friends 
in his religious concern : and, about three years 
before his death, he performed a visit to Friends 
within the compass of Easton Quarterly Meeting, 
to their edification : and he expressed, at his re- 
turn, that he had great satisfaction and peace in 
his own mind in thus performing his religious duty. 
As he was not entrusted with much of this world's 
goods, it was necessary that he should be diligent in 
his outward calling ; yet, when he believed that his • 
duty required hiixi to leave his family, he cheerfully 
submitted thereto, well knowing his Master could 
bless the little, and that there was nothing in this 
world worth enjoyiug out of the Divine will. In 
the spring of 1827, he removed with his family 
from Queensbury to Moreau, and there being a 
few families of Friends there, they requested of 
the Monthly Meeting the privilege of holding a 
meeting for worship, which was allowed them, and 
it is still continued. 

He attended our YearlyMeeting in the spring of 
1828, which proved a close trial to him, as there 
was a part of the Meeting that separated from 
their brethren, many of whom he much loved : 
and it seemed, as he expressed it, too much for 
human nature to bear : yet he frequently remarked, 
after his return home, that he was gla(i he attend- 
ed the Yearly Meeting. 



18 MEMORIAL OF 



4 



He was a loving husband, a tender father, a kind 
neighbor, and deeply sympathised with those in 
affliction. His last sickness being a fever, it con- 
tinned sore upon him for several weeks, during 
which time he frequently spoke of the state of our 
society, and seemed much engaged that Friends 
should support the standard of Truth in its an- 
cient purity. And to a Friend he said, a few days* 
before his death, that if Friends kept humble and 
faithful, our Society would shine with greater lustre 
than it had for many years past. He several times 
expressed, in a very weighty frame of mind, that 
he was never more favored at any time of his life, 
than since he had been on his sick bed, and that he 
had been favored with such clear openings in the 
visions of light, since his sickness, as he had rarely 
witnessed before, which, he said, was admirable to 
himself; and he further added, that he believed, 
if those who visited him in his sickness were deep 
enough, they would have a sense of his exercise, 
and would sit down and be still and quiet. He 
then mentioned that he had been much burthened 
with trifling conversation in those favored seasons. 

The gravity of his countenance, and the solem- 
nity attending his conversation, made such deep 
impressions on the minds of those present, that the 
opportunity will be long remembered. A neigh- 
bor coming in to see him a short time before his 



WARREN FERRIS. 19 

decease, mentioned, that she had heard a report 
circulated, that he denied his Saviour, and she felt 
it to be her duty to come and convince him there 
was one ; but he, being rightly qualified, was en- 
abled fully to satisfy her that the report was false, 
and further added; ** I never dared to deny my 
Saviour, I would sooner part with my right hand. 
I have ever believed that there is no other name 
given under heaven whereby we can be saved, but 
by the name of Jesus," and much more that can- 
not be recollected. 

A few days after, speaking of this circumstance, 
he exclaimed, — '- Oh, that all who have heard that 
I denied my Saviour, were like this honest woman, 
and would come and see for themselves/' As his 
time of departure drew near, he appeared to be 
in a composed state of mind, expressing his great 
satisfaction in his past labors, and especially at 
the late Yearly Meeting, and since his return 
home. Soon after he appeared to be in supplica- 
tion, which was, as near as could be understood, 
on this wise, that the two bands* might become of 
one mind, and worship the one true and living 
God ; and that all the human family might be so 
wrought upon by the benign influence of Divine 
love, as to be brought into the one fold. He appear- 
ed to be in a sweet frame of mind, and the last words 

^ Meaning the two divisions of the Society of Friends. 



20 MI'.MOIMAI. <>l< 

he uttered were, ** Oh, happy, happy, farewell 
friends, farewell ;" and breathed shorter and 
shorter, departing like one falling asleep, on the 
morning of the 25th of 9th mo., 1828; and we 
doubt not, has entered into the mansion of eternal 
felicity, where the wicked cease from troubling 
and the weary are at rest. 

The day following, his remains were taken to 
Queensbury attended by a large number of Friends 
and neighbors, and after a solemn meeting heUl on 
the occasion, they were interred in Friends' burial 
ground there. 

Thus, like the rising sun that grows brighter 
and brighter until it comes to the meridian, did 
this devoted servant shine brighter and brighter, 
until he was called from works to rewards, in the 
meridian of life, aged thirty-seven years and about 
six months. 



A Testimony of the Monthhj Meeting of West- 
hury, concerning our heloved Friend Townsend 
FIawxhurst, deceased. 

In early life, it appears he was fond of those 
vain amusements and pastimes, which are so gene- 
rally prevalent with young people, in some of 
which he took great delight, — but about the 24th 



TOWNSEND HAWXHURST. 21 

year of his age lie attended the funeral of a neigh- 
bor, at which our beloved Friend Elias Hicks, 
was led largely and powerfully to open the doc- 
trines of the Gospel, which caused him seriously 
to reflect on the consequences that must be the re- 
sult of such a pursuit, — as he could not experience 
that peace and quietude of mind, that his soul 
craved, and which he was now led to believe, are 
the experience and reward of the righteous. 
Being thus awakened, he attended Friends' meet- 
ing at Cow Neck, and his spirit being comforted 
in the enjoyment of the presence of his Saviour, 
which he now found to be near, even within himself, 
he became a steady attender of our meetings. In 
his 27th year, he requested, and was received a 
member in the Society — and by taking heed to the 
gradual unfoldings of truth, he learned in the 
school of Christ, that it is by the way of the Cross, 
to all those sensual delights, that the Crown, and 
true happiness is to be experienced — thus abiding, 
he became qualified to instruct others, and receiv- 
ed a gift in the ministry ; and being faithful to 
the further openings, and discoveries of truth, he 
became an able Minister of the Gospel ; circum- 
spect in life and conversation, answerable to the 
doctrine he taught — that it may be truly said, he 
was a preacher, both by example and precept. He 
felt such a sympathy for the enslaved African race, 



22 MEMORIAL OF 

and had such a sense of the great injustice done 
them, being fully convinced that God is no respec- 
ter of persons, that he scrupulously abstained from 
the use of the produce of their labor, for a number 
of the last years of his life. And although 
he had a growing family, which necessarily 
required niuch of his care and attention ; yet, 
knowing his peace consisted in being given up 
to fulfil the requirings of his Divine Master, he 
was made willing to leave his wife and tender lit- 
tle ones, in order to perform the service that he 
believed was required of him. Thus, with the con- 
currence of his friends, he performed divers reli- 
gious visits to different parts of this continent : he 
several times visited parts of the Yearly Meetings 
of New York and Philadelphia, and performed a 
general visit to Friends, within Baltimore Yearly 
Meeting ; also to the Meetings within the compass 
of Virginia, and Ohio Yearly Meetings : and it ap- 
pears, by accounts received, that his visits were 
to the satisfaction of Friends; and on his return- 
ing home, he had gratefully to acknowledge the 
goodness of Israel's Shepherd, in having enabled 
him to perform the service which he believed was 
required at his hands, saving, he witnessed great 
peace of mind in having thus given up to his Mas- 
ter's service. His last sickness was attended with 
much bodily distress, which he bore with Chris- 



J 



TOWNSEND HAWXHURST. ^3 

tian resignation, and his mind appeared remark- 
ably tranquil, being fully resigned either in life or 
death, as it might please his heavenly Father. 

The following are some of the many weighty ex- 
pressions he dropped during his sickness. To a 
sister-in-law, he mentioned the peace of mind he 
enjoyed, and the comfort he experienced in retir- 
ing inward, and waiting upon the Lord : and re- 
commended silent worship, and a strict attention 
to the Divine light, which is manifested in each 
of our breasts ; saying, if it was attended to, it 
would lead and direct us in the right path. In 
the morning he said, I have passed through some 
sorrow in the night, but joy has again returned 
this morning. At another time, being in great 
bodily distress, he prayed as follows : — *' G-ra- 
cious Father, condescend, we pray thee, to look 
down in mercy on us this night, give me strength 
to bear the turning and overturning of thy divine 
hand upon me, and, oh, gracious Father, bring us 
more and more, and the whole human family the 
world over, to a sense of our dependence upon 
thee, the God of our salvation ; draw us by the 
cords of thy love to thee, the fountain of life ; and 
be pleased, if consistent with thy will, to remove, 
if thou seest meet, this my great distress, never- 
theless, not my will but thine be done.'* 

Some little time after he said, I feel nearly free 



i^4 MEMORIAL OF 

from pain, and remarked, it is the Lord's doings, 
and it is marvelous in mine eyes. He often spoke 
of the great peace and joy he now felt, in having 
given up to do what he believed his Divine Mas- 
ter had required of him, when in health. His sister- 
in-law sitting by him, be said, I bave always felt 
a deep interest, in thy spiritual and temporal wel- 
fare, and hope thou wilt be obedient to the mani- 
festations of Divine light, give up to be led and 
guided by it ; it is the humble that he will teach of 
his ways, and the meek he will guide in the path 
of true judgment ; be not conformed to this world, 
to its vain fashions and customs, in braiding the 
hair, and putting on of apparel, it brings no real 
satisfaction ; I know it from experience, but when 
we listen to the still small voice, tbat points out 
the way wo should walk in, and become willing to 
take up the cross daily and follow Christ, we feel 
that joy, the world can neither give nor take away : 
It has been my endeavor to turn the minds of the 
people, wherever my lot has been cast, to this 
principle, to Christ within, the hope of glory. On 
its being remarked to him, that there was some 
danger apprehended of his over exerting himself 
in his weak state, by expressing so much ; he re- 
l)lied, I feel so much love for you all, and it flows 
universally, the world over, that it seems as if 1 
could not stop; particularly mentioning several 



TOWNSEND HAWXHURST. 25 

of Ms brothers and sisters-in-law, desiring they 
would keep in moderation in all things, and that 
Friends might be careful to keep in plainness and 
simplicity, saying it was their profession. To his 
little daughter, who had been for some time very 
ill, he said, I feel very much for thee, my child, 
thou hast had a tedious time, but I want we should 
be patient, and bear without murmuring, the turn- 
ing and over turning of the Divine hand, for it is 
in wisdom : I feel that his ways are ways of plea- 
santness, and all his paths are peace. At another 
time he said, it appears like a very solemn time 
this morning, and observing his wife to grieve, 
desired that she might not, for there was nothing 
in his way. The night following, his sister being 
with him, he desired she might give him up, and 
not grieve for him; saying, that his peace was 
made, and should he recover from the present ill- 
ness, there would be but a short period, and he 
should have to pass through the conflict again. 
And added, I have no doubt that my Heavenly 
Father will take care of my little children, he has 
promised to be a father to the fatherless, and a 
friend to the widow. A day or two before his de- 
cease, his heart was so enlarged with the flowing of 
universal love, in the remembrance of past, as 
well as present favors, that he was enabled, al- 
though very weak in body, to commemorate the 



26 MEMORIAL OF 

mercy and goodness of his Heavenly Father, in 
being near, and giving him a full assurance of a 
reception into the realms of eternal felicity. Thus, 
having been devoted to the service of truth, ho 
was favored in his concluding moments with a 
peaceful mind ; and on the morning of the 28th of 
12mo. 1829, he breathed his last, aged nearly 51 
years; and we have no doubt, his spirit has cen- 
tred, where the wicked cease from troubling, and 
the weary are at rest. On the 30th, his remains 
were taken to Cow Neck, accompanied by a large 
number of Friends and neighbors, and, after a 
solemn meeting on the occasion, they were interr- 
ed in Friends' burial i2fround there. 



Testi7nony of Shapaqua Monthly Meeting of 
Friends J concerning our esteemed Friend Su- 
sannah Haight, 

She was born the 24th of the 4th mo.. 1756 ; 
she was the daughter of Moses and Jane Quinby, 
who early instructed her in the paths of piety, and 
she being of a mild and amiable disposition, was 
seriously inclined from her childhood, and early 
regarding the visitations of Divine love, she was 
brought into humility, and through faithfulness to 
its manifestations, she witnessed her mind prepar- 



SUSANNAH HAIGHT. 27 

ed for a more full reception of it. In the life of this 
our dear Friend, is exemplified the sufficiency of 
the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 
for the preservation of all those who faithfully abide 
under its influence. In the year 1784, she was 
married to our Friend Reuben Haight, to whom she 
was a true help-meet, and tender sympathising 
companion in temporal as well as spiritual concerns: 
an aflfectionate mother, a good neighbor, kind and 
compassionate to all those situated about her. She 
was a diligent attender of our religious meetings, 
and by her exemplary deportment, in quietly wait- 
ing therein, she conferred much encouragement on 
her friends. About the year 1800, she was ap- 
pointed to the station of an elder, and, manifesting 
a steady concern for the promotion of the cause 
of truth and righteousness, she occupied that sta- 
tion during the remaining part of her life, very 
much to the satisfaction of Friends. During sev- 
eral of her last years she was subject to much 
bodily infirmity, and was thereby confined at home 
for a considerable time previous to the late separa- 
tion in our Society, which produced in her mind 
such an increased exercise for the preservation of 
Friends in that order and dignity which becomes 
our high and holy profession, that she was induced 
to renew her endeavors to attend our meetings 
again, which she was enabled to do for a considera- 



28 MEMORIAL OP^ 

ble time, very much to the help and comfort of 
Friends. For the last eight months of her life, 
she was mostly confined to her room, and sufiFered 
much with pain, throuah which she maintained 
great Christian fortitude, frequently praying for 
preservation in patience and resignation to the Di- 
vine will. At one time she expressed a fear that 
she was too anxious to have this mortal put off, 
and immortality put on , saying, that the Lord's time 
only, was the best time. She was favored with 
her senses to the last, and at a time when she 
thought her end approaching, she had the family 
called together and took an aflfectionate leave of 
them. From this time she communicated but lit- 
tle, and appeared to take but little notice of those 
about her. In the afternoon, (being First-day) 
some Friends were conversing in her room of the 
very favored meeting they had had that day ; 
she spoke distinctly and said, '* ah, the Lord has 
not left us.' She continued in a sweet frame of 
mind to the last, giving satisfactory evidence that 
she was fully assured there was a reward in 
store for her. On the 21st of 4th mo„ 1831, she 
quietly breathed her last, aged seventy-five years. 



PHEBE DODGE. 29 

A Testimony of Josepli C. Dodge, concerning Ms 
late wife, Phebe Dodge. 

Since it hath pleased the Most High to prove 
me in the very close and afflicting dispensation of 
the removal of my wife, Phebe Dodge, by death, 
I have felt my mind drawn to give this testimony 
concerning her, feeling it to be due to her memory, 
accompanied with a hope that it may prove a 
way -mark to others. 

She was born on the 5th day of 2d mo., 1792, 
in the town of South Salem, West Chester Coun- 
ty, State of New-York. Her parents were Eich- 
ard and Susannah Weeks, who were honestly en- 
gaged for the promotion of Truth and Righteous- 
ness in the earth, (the latter an approved Minister 
and faithful laborer in the Lord's vineyard.) This 
their daughter was, agreeably to her own account, 
tenderly visited in her childhood with impressions 
of Divine love, and her mind so overshadow- 
ed therewith, that she was constrained to retire 
into lonely places, unseen by mortal eye, to hold 
communion with her God; in which seasons she 
was enabled to behold His comeliness and to feel 
that she was owned, and stood in a state of ac- 
ceptance with him, which caused, her eyes to flow 
with tears, and her heart t<; expand with gratitude 



30 MEMORIAL OF 



to him, and livin|2: desires were raised in her mind, 
that she might be kept pure in His holy sight. 
About the fourteenth year of her age, while sit- 
ting one evening by the fireside with her parents, 
her mind being drawn from surrounding objects, 
and wrapped in meditation, this solemn language 
was sounded in the ear of her mind, " thou must 
prepare for death." This awful message so over- 
came her, that she withdrew from the family, and, 
in the silence of night, bemoaned herself on 
this wise ; — ** Must so young a creature as I be 
taken from kind and tender parents, whom IJove, 
and from all my connections, must my days be 
numbered in the spring time of life, and I cut oflf 
from the happiness I have in prospect." In the 
anguish of her spirit as she poured forth her pe- 
tition to the Lord, that he would be pleased to 
lengthen her days, and permit her a little longer, 
to enjoy the endearments of society in her father's 
house, she received this answer, "Thou shalt not 
die to the body, but thou must die to thine own 
will." But not following the Master in bearing 
the cross, she stumbled, and yielded to the sugges- 
tions of the reasoner ; and fur refusing to yield to 
the clear manifestations of duty, she was often left 
in a state of poverty and deep suffering, losing sight 
of her Heavenly Guide, to grope in darkness. 



1 



PHEBE DODGE. 31 

Yet she was not wholly left, but after seasons of 
hunciiliation and deep abasement for disobedience, 
she witnessed a return of her Heavenly Father's 
love, as the descending dew and gentle rain, and 
the invitation extended afresh, to enter into the 
vineyard and labor, with the promise annexed ;* 
and although she felt a reluctance to engage in 
the work herself, she was concerned that others 
might not neglect their duty ; and that the living 
principle and word of life might not be trodden 
under foot of men, but that all might come to the 
knowledge of it, obey it, and be saved. 

About the twenty-second year of her age, she 
experienced a very close trial in the death of her 
father and mother, within a few months of each 
other, and from this circumstance much care de- 
volved upon her. In conducting the concerns of 
the family, her movements were marked with 
much prudence and care. 

In the year 1818, we were joined in marriage, 
in which state we were united in near fellowship. 
Kind, affectionate, and sympathising in every sit- 
uation, she was a true help-meet, in the full sense 
of the word : feeling deeply for her family, that 
they might be favored with a competency for this 
life ; and while her hands were industriously en- 
gaged in her daily avocations, her mind was con- 
Math. XX, 4. 



32 MK.MDIilAl. OF 

cerned for more durable treasure, being made sensi- 
ble that this was only to be obtained by an unreserv- 
ed submission to the Divine will. Knowing that 
she had been called into the vineyard to labor, that 
the call had been from time to time renewed, from 
the third to the ninth, and being clearly shown 
that the eleventh hour was at hand, the prospect 
whereof appeared awful to her, she was brought 
under a deep exercise and concern of mind, to la- 
bor for submission to the will of her Heavenly 
Father, she was brought under the operating power 
of the "tire and the hammer;" and, abiding in 
the furnace, she witnessed refinement '*by the 
spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning,'* 
and was made willing to submit to the cross of 
Christ. About the thirty-seventh year of her age, 
she first appeared in the ministry. After this full 
surrender, she became faithfully and honestly de- 
voted to her Heavenly Father's work, and experi- 
enced a growth and enlargement therein. 

For some months previous to her decease, her 
health had become greatly impaired, and towards 
the close she aj)peared to be much weaned from 
perishable things, from a sense, I believe she had, 
that she was soon to be gathered home. 

She was taken ill on the 9th day of 1st rao., 
1832, and suffered extreme bodily pain, but her 
mind was mercifully borne up and supported 



PHEBE DODGE. 33 

through all, with a prospect of being soon released 
and entering into a mansion of rest, of which, she 
said, she had a most beautiful prospect ; feeling an 
evidence that, through faithful obedience to her 
Master's will, during the latter part of her life, 
she was accepted of him. 

During her illness she was at times favored in 
an extraordinary manner, with matter and utter- 
ance, which evidently proceeded from the source 
and fountain of life, ^^hich I trust, will be as bread 
to many. On one occasion, to her friends about 
her, she remarked, that her mind had been kept 
in a marvellous manner during her illness, adding, 
'* the Lord is able to display his work in the earth ; 
in a wonderful manner have you been taken from 
my heart, that I might have nothing in the world 
to cling to." At another time she observed that 
her mind had, for some time, been weaned from 
her family and friends; *' though," said she, *'I 
love them dearly, and if it was the will of my 
Heavenly Father, I should be willing to be spared 
to them a little longer, yet I feel I can adopt the 
language *not my will, but thine, be done/ '' 

Speaking of the meeting at Greenwich, where, 
she said, but few words were uttered, she expressed 
the concern that she had felt, that Friends might 
feel after His living presence, which was much more 
than words. She had been a, diligent attender of 



34 MEMORIAL OF 

that meeting, and ever manifested a deep and live- 
ly interest in its prosperity and welfare. 

She feelingly exhorted some of her young friends 
who visited her, to disengage their minds from 
worldly concerns, saying, ''remember that with the 
increase of riches the mind is often drawn away." 
She endeavored to impress upon them the great im- 
portance of a diligent attendance of meetings, and 
the necessity of breaking off from every temporal 
engagement to attend to this important duty. To 
one whom she had observed with satisfaction to be 
engaged in the attendance of meetings, she said, 
*' Abide stedfast in the truth, that thou mayest be 
an example to thy companion and children.'' 

At one time, after much expression, she broke 
forth in this language, '* Oh ! praises, praises, 
praises, to Thy great and adorable name.'* She 
often repeated, ** what a bed of ease this sick bed 
has been to me, but what would it have been, if 
the work had been unfinished at such a time as 
this," adding, " I think if I had anything more 
than pain of body to endure, I should not bear up 
under it/' 

She retained the possession of her mental facul- 
ties to the last, and a short time before her final 
close, she took a solemn and affectionate leave of 
her family and friends, on which occasion she was 
favored with strength and ability, in a powerful 



* 



PHEBE DODGE. 35 

and feeling manner, to administer to the states of 
those present, recommending that, which she had 
found necessary for herself, saying, that it was all 
sufl5cient to sustain her in this time of trial; real- 
izing the truth of that declaration of the Psalmist 
that "the angel of the Lord encampeth round 
about them that fear him." In taking leave of 
her children, she called them to her bedside, one 
by one, and addressed them in a very feeling man- 
ner, giving them much excellent counsel and ad- 
vice. To her little daughter she expressed a deep 
concern that she should keep to plainness of 
dress, saying, " Be plain and neat, not wishing to 
adorn thyself with those trifling things which so 
much engross the attention of too many." 

Having relieved her mind of the exercise that 
had rested upon it, she was engaged in fervent 
supplication, thanksgiving, and praise to her 
Heavenly Father, until utterance failed, breath- 
ing shorter and shorter, until third-day morning, 
the 24th of 1st month, 1832, when she expired 
without a sigh or groan ; and I have not a doubt, 
that she has entered into that mansion, '' where 
the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary 
are at rest." 

JOSEPH 0. DODGE. 



o6 MEMORIAL OF 

A Testimony of the Montlihj Meeting of Shapa- 
qutiy concerning Lydia Haight, daughter of 
Moses and Anna Haight, of Newcastle. 

As the power of Truth, when submitted to, en- 
ables the mind to overcome its propensities, so 
the present instance affords an evidence of that 
holy Help, which, in a remarkable manner, ena- 
bled this youth to bear with fortitude and resigna- 
tion, her last sickness, and to show forth the good" 
ness of God, by the operation of his grace upon 
her mind. 

She was born the 9th of 2nd month, 1S16, of 
parents who were members of our Society. She 
seemed to be in a declining state of health some 
time before her last illness, which commenced the 
2Sth of 12th month, 1831, and although it seemed 
very painful, yet the sweetness of her disposition, 
the fortitude and patience in which she was pre- . 
served, evinced her entire resignation to the Di- 
vine disposal ; saying at one time, that her afflic- 
tions were good for her, that something was neces- 
sary to subject her natural lively disposition, 
whether she lived or died. At another time, 
alluding to a period previous to her last sickness, 
when under the care of a physician, she said, " I 
thought when I was under the doctor's care, if he 
was favored to restore me again to health, I was 



LYDIA HAIGHT. 37 

afraid lest I should forget my past favors, and lose 
sight of Him who had thus preserved and kept me ; 
and should again set my affections on the world ; 
surely this was the case, for when I found myself 
better, I also found my natural spirits to return 
and ray inclination for unprofitable things to in- 
crease ; I began to delight in them, and flattered 
myself a little with the hope of again enjoying 
some of this world's pleasures, but now I see them 
as empty bubbles/' 

In the forepart of her illness she suffered much 
extreme pain ; at a time when her father was 
standing by her, she said, '' dear father, I think I 
shall soon be released, but I hope to meet you all 
again in heaven," and observed, that she felt no- 
thing in her way. She appeared perfectly resign- 
ed to the will of Heaven, whether in life or death, 
but said, *• if she had any choice in it, she would 
rather be taken now, as she would then miss any 
more of the slippery paths of youth." At another 
time she observed to her sister, who was standing 
by her, on this wise, " Dear sister, it is a great 
trial for me to part with thee, but I believe it must 
be so, and I hope my present condition will teach 
thee a lesson never to be forgotten, and warn thee 
not to put off the great work of the soul's salva- 
tion until a sick bed, when the pains of the body 
are enough to endure. Oh ! had I put it off until 



38 MEMORIAL OF 

now, what should I have done for these last live 
weeks. The Lord has been my support thus far, 
and I hope he will be with me unto the end, and 
give me strength to bear what seems to Him best 
to put upon me, although I feel myself a poor 
worm of the dust, scarcely worthy of his regard. 
My dear sister, let me charge thee to keep to plain- 
ness, and mind the teachings of Truth, adorning 
thyself with inward meekness, remembering Him 
who wore the seamless garment ; He was meek 
and lowly in all his movements, and if thou art 
faithful to His teachings. He will guide thee safe- 
ly through every danger, and finally land thee in 
a quiet habitation, a house not made with hands, 
eternal in the Heavens." It grieved her much to 
think of the great deviations from plainness that 
appear in our Society, and weeping at one time, 
said, '' there were but few young persons that at- 
tended our meeting, who dressed consistent with 
our profession. Oh ! these little foxes how they 
spoil the tender vines, and the enemy, how 
he lays his snares where they are least expected. 
! this world's amusements, how they draw the 
mind from the true fountain. I never partook 
greatly of them, but when so, it has caused me to 
endure seasons of deep mourning/' Pausing, she 
again proceeded, '' Oh ! what a glorious prospect at- 
tends me; 0! how happy would be the change : 



LYDIA HAIGHT. 39 

but if I am again raised I believe it will be to 
glorify the Lord's cause, His will be done and not 
mine." On one occasion she said, **we can expect 
little else but trials here, and it is hard for me to 
part with you, ( meaning the family,) but I want 
you all to prepare to follow me, and not mourn be- 
cause of my departure, for it will be much better 
for me." And on another occasion, when convers- 
ing with her mother, she said, " dear mother. Oh ! 
what a charge is committed to thy care, a young 
family to watch over ; I want thee to teach them 
the way they should walk in ; thou canst not give 
them grace, but thou may instruct them to attend 
to its teachings." At a time when she thought 
herself going, being in great distress, but reviving 
a little, said, " how sorry I am to be brought 
back;" and prayed in these words: "0 holy 
Father, if consistent with thy goodness, take me 
to thyself, but Thou knowest if best bestowed or 
not, and let thy will be done." Some little time 
after, she said, '* I believe my time of departure 
is not yet come, I believe there is yet a work for 
me to do in this world, but whether it is to suffer 
longer, or be raised again to advocate the Lord's 
cause, seems hid from me, I don't see how it will 
terminate;" and then uttered a prayer on this 
wise : " holy Father, if it is thy will to con- 
tinue me yet longer in this world, whatever thou 



40 MEMOIUAL OF 

hast for me to do, only condescend to be witli me, 
and I will follow thee, whithersoever thou art 
pleased to lead me." 

At a time, after reviving from a very faint turn, 
she desired the family to be called that she might 
take her last leave of them, which was done in a 
very affecting manner ; addressing them individu- 
ally, and imparting counsel and advice to each; 
she then inquired if her grave clothes were made, 
and being informed that they were, she desired to 
see them, which being brought to her, she signi- 
fied that a part of them was not as plain as she 
wished. 

She continued in a peaceful frame of mind unto 
the close. On first-day, the 4th of 3d month, 
1S32, her speech failed, and continuing gradually 
to decline until the 3d day of the week, and 6th 
day of the month, when she quietly breathed her 
last, leaving not the shadow of a doubt that her 
redeemed spirit has been translated from this 
scene of probation, to a far more glorious man- 
sion, there to enjoy the crown prepared for the 
righteous, of which we believe she had a fore- 
taste. 

Aged sixteen years and twenty-six days. 



PHEBE MILLER. 41 

A Memorial of the Montlily Meeting of Purchase, 
concerning our beloved Friend, Phebe Miller. 

She was born on Long Island, in the State of 
New- York, the 30th day of the 8th month, 1748 
and when a child removed with her parents, 
Daniel and Sarah Hawxhurst, to the town of Rye, 
in West Chester County, within the compass of 
Purchase Meeting, where she continued to reside 
the greater part of the remainder of her days. 

By her own account, in early life, she gave way, 
too much, to the captivating allurements of this 
world, whereby unguarded youth are often en- 
snared. But, being mercifully favored with the 
visitations of Divine love, she was brought into 
the straight and narrow way : yet, many were the 
conflicts of mind she passed through, before she 
was brought to a sight and sense of her own frailty 
and utter inability, of herself, to withstand the 
many and varied temptations with which she was 
assailed, calculated to divert and draw her from 
the path of self-denial, which she now saw was 
the way she ought to walk in. 

In a manuscript, found in her own hand-writing, 
she thus expressed herself; '*When conviction 
took hold of me for my back slidings, I was re- 
proved for departing from simplicity and plainness 
in my apparel. Having a great delight in adorning 



42 MEMORIAL OF 

my person, and in going into company, not suitable 
for me, which enticed to things I was convinced 
were wrong; and I was led astray by their per- 
suasion. Sometimes I was prevailed upon to 
join in the dance, for wiiich remorse and convic- 
tion took hold of me, in such a way as is never to 
be forgotten. This has often raised in my mind 
living desires for the youth of the present, and 
succeeding generations, that they may attend to 
the holy convictions, which condemn for evil, and 
justify for well doing, and lead to safety and 
peace." 

Being faithful to manifested duty, she was ena- 
bled, in great simplicity, to pursue the path she be- 
lieved her Divine Master had alotted her; though 
sometimes much in the cross to her own natural 
temper and disposition. But, by steadfastly per- 
severing therein, she became a worthy example of 
plainness and consistency, not in her own family 
only, but to her acquaintances at large. The 
solemnity of her countenance evinced the fervent 
and steady engagement of her mind. 

She lived at this time six miles from meeting, 
and her husband, though not in membership with 
Friends, was kind in providing a way for her to 
get to meeeting : it fell to her lot to go mostly 
alone, and on horseback, that being the general 
mode of travelling at that time. In this way she 



PHEBE ]\IILLER 43 

diligently attended nieetings for a number of years, 
notwithstanding the weather was sometimes very 
inclement; yet such was the persevering engage- 
ment of her mind, that she was seldom absent 
when of ability of body to attend : and when pre- 
vented by indisposition, it was her practice to call 
her family together, to wait upon the Lord. 

As she continued in faithfulness, she received a 
lively gift in the ministry, which she exercised 
in great simplicity and plainness, and which was 
acceptable and edifying to Friends. She travel- 
ed but little abroad, her religious services were 
mostly limited to that of visiting families, and ap- 
pointing meetings within the limits of her own 
Quarterly Meeting. 

About the forty-sixth year of her age, being left 
a widow, the care of her family, some of whom 
being quite young, more immediately devolving 
on her, she manifested great solicitude . that they 
might be preserved in innocency, and in the fear 
of the Lord. She was frequent in waiting in si- 
lence, and reading the Scriptures, encouraging 
her children to follow her example. 

Her habitation being remote from Friends, her 
intercourse was much with those not of our society; 
yet so guarded and consistent was her deportment, 
that she was generally respected and beloved ; 
often visiting the sick of her neighborhood, and 



44 MEMORIAL OF 

frequently had a word of comfort and consolation 
to the afllicted. 

We believe it was her primary concern, faithful- 
ly to occupy the talents committed to her, that her 
day's work, might be done in the day time : her 
light continued to shine with brightness in old 
age. 

She was much exercised on account of the un- 
settled state of society, and said, that ** by attend- 
ing to that Guide, that never had deceived her, 
she found it to be her place, both in and out of 
meetings, to bear a testimony against a spirit 
whose movements seemed calculated to produce a 
schism therein.'' 

About three years before her departure, she was 
attacked with a paralytic affection, which not only 
greatly impaired her mental faculties, but also ren- 
dered her very helpless the remainder of her days. 
Yet at times it was evident, that she not only had 
her senses, but the enjoyment of her Divine Mas- 
ter's presence. Thus she finished her course, 
and quietly passed away as one falling asleep, the 
23d day of the 11th month, 1631, aged eighty- 
three, a nnnister nearly fifty years. 



ANN BYRD. 45 

A hrief Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of 
New York, concerning Ann Byrd, to which is 
added some extracts from her Manuscripts. 

In this memorial, we have not to record the ac- 
count of one, who had attained to advanced age ; 
but we have to advert to a character, perhaps not 
less animating, that of one, who, though compara- 
tively yoang in years, was rich in faith ; and who 
was mercifully enabled to lead, in a good degree, 
'' an unspotted life." 

Ann Byrd was the daughter of Joseph and Eliza- 
beth Byrd, of New-York, and was born on the 3rd 
of nth mo., 1798. Her parents were engaged to 
imbue her mind with the love of piety : and they 
had the satisfaction of finding, that their solicitude 
was abundantly rewarded by her own clear percep- 
tion of the superior importance of religious engage- 
ments. From her childhood, she manifested a live- 
ly and tender sensibility; and although, as she grew 
in years, she made considerable advancement in 
literary and scientific pursuits, yet she early evinced, 
that her affections were chiefly placed on things of 
an eternal nature, and that her principal concern 
was to gain the favor of Him, with whom are ** all 
the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." In her 
retired moments, it appears that from her early 
youth, she was almost in the daily practice of re- 
cording her religious exercises and impressions. 



46 MRMORIAL OF 

Tho following are extracts from ber memoran- 
dums, and we think they will be deemed instructive 
evidences of the pure and pious frame of her mind. 
The first extract, which we have selected, was 
written about the 17th year of her age. 

3rd Month 2nd, 1816. 
Oh, Holy Father, may I, with humble gratitude 
and reverent awe, acknowledge thy infinite good- 
ness towards me, during the short period of my 
existence. Thou permitted me early to see the 
happiness, thy dedicated children enjoy ; and when 
the gilded allurements of this world were presented 
to me, thou wast pleased in condescending mercy, 
to stain them in my view ; and I was proved by 
temptations, more singularly trying, when my situa- 
tion seemed as in a deserted wilderness, and from 
my comfortless mental habitation, I was led to que- 
ry, where shall I find consolation ? Yet even here, 
thy goodness upheld nie and bade my wandering 
feet stand still, that I might know thee to be my 
God. And Oh ! this day thou hast permitted me 
to see the purifying nature of those trials ; to taste 
the delights of thy banqueting house ; and to say, 
Lord, it is enough. May I rejoice evermore in 
all the turnings of thy holy hand upon me — pray 
without ceasing, for thy direction in the various 
vicissitudes of life, and in all thy dispensations, 
continuallv ^'we thanks 



1 



ANIS BYRD. 47 

7th Month 29th, 1817. 
Suffer me once more> Holy Father, to offer 
my all to thee. Thou hast graciously been pleas- 
ed at times, to direct my youthful heart, and hast 
declared thyself still to be found, by those that 
seek thee. Grant, dearest Lord, among the 
multitude of thy blessings, a knowledge of myself; 
enlighten my understanding, that I may see my 
imperfections and infirmities as beheld by thee, 
and grant, if it please thee, strength to correct 
them Is it not thy presence that now surrounds 
me ? what is this extatic feeling but heaven itself? 
Whence proceeds this angelic anthem that echoes 
within me : Glory to God in the highest, peace on 
earth, and good will to men. Be still ail ye pow- 
ers from without, and interrupt not this holy se- 
renity 

3rd Month 12th, 1818. 

bountiful Father, daily am I a partaker of 
thy goodness. Let me not be unmiDdful of the 
obligations I am under for thy manifold mercies ; 
but may I endeavor, by acting conformably to thy 
will, to show forth thy praise. May humility and 
industry attend me. Suffer not, Holy Father, 
any thing in me that displeaseth thee, to go un- 
punished, and in the hour of temptation be thou 
my Protector. Enable me by thy Holy Spirit, to 
persuade some of my younger friends, who have 



48 MEMORIAL OP^ 

strayed far from thy enclosures, to return as the 
prodigal unto thee. 

There are many of that class who, in their hearts 
love thee, but not being firm enough to resist the 
torrent of temptation that is bearing upon them, 
openly, in their conduct, deny thy name. To 
these, Holy Father, let me be an instrument of 
use ; enable me to assure them of the beauty there is 
in holiness, and of the permanent felicity attendant 
on piety. May they be convinced, that ** one hour 
in thy presence, is better than a thousand" else- 
where. And, Oh ! dearest Lord, be thou my coun- 
sellor and director. I have enlisted in thy warfare, 
invest me with the armor of righteousness, and 
enable me to destroy my spiritual enemies. Let 
me not act in my will, or according to my own in- 
clination ; but when thy commands are given, may 
thy servant be in readiness to obey them. 

Sth Month 14th, 1S22. 

Oh dearest Father, the time that is passed in 
waiting upon thee, is by far the most delightful of 
my life. I long for the moment to arrive, when 
earthly cares allow me to enter my closet, my re- 
tired apartment, where I may hold communion with 
thee; thou knowest that I desire to serve thee 
above all ; thou knowest, dearest Father, that 
I desire to hold nothing so dear, but at thy call, I 
may part with it. 



ANN BYRD. 49 

10th Month 7th, 1822. 

dearest Father, the world cannot satisfy the 
desires of my immortal spirit ; I have in measure, 
partaken of its pleasures, and have found them 
vain ; but there is an eternal substance, a soul 
sustaining joy, which thou art pleased to grant 
unto thy children that seek thee with their whole 
heart. Assist me, if it please thee, in performing 
the solemn resolution I have made this morning, 
which is never to pass a single day, that may yet 
be granted me in this land of probation, without 
waiting in silence for thy divine instruction, 

12th Month 5th, 1822. 

1 thank thee, dearest Father, for arresting 
my attention in the morning of my day, before my 
affections have become deeply entangled with the 
things of this life. After the delightful intercourse, 
my soul at seasons enjoys with thee, the most in- 
teresting conversation of the world is a burden to 
me ; I am weary with hearing it. 

Having herself, experienced the delight of living 
under the Divine Law, she felt an earnest desire 
that others also, should be brought under the same 
blessed influence ; and about the 25th year of her 
age, she was constrained to appear in public min- 
istry. Her communications were short, but they 
were solemn and impressive ; and the meekness 
4 



50 MEr»'ORIAL OF 

which clothed her spirit in this important service, 
was acceptably evident to her friends. 

We continue the extracts from her writings, af- 
ter this period. 

5th Month 11th, 1824. 

Oh, that I may learn obedience by the things 
that I suffer, and be made perfect through suffering. 
I fervently desire that thine eye, Lord, may not 
pity, nor thine hand spare, until all in me that of- 
fends is removed I ask not a mitigation of suffer- 
ing, for I have known its cleansing effect : and 
among the multitude of thy mercies, have I num- 
bered a quick perception of my own errors. Be 
pleased, dearest Father, to show me those in 
their darkest hue, that I may seethe sinfulness of 
sin in every shape, and under every transformation. 

5th Month 7th, 1825. 

I have this day revived a little, after an illness 
of nearly a week, as severe, I think, as I almost 
ever experienced ; but when my poor body seemed 
nearly exhausted by the violence of the disorder, 
my mind was preserved in calmness : and if it was 
then the divine will to release me, I know not that 
I had a wish to stay. 

7th Month 3d, 1825. 

This evening there seems a prospect of my health 
being restored a little longer. May I duly appre- 
ciate the ble>\'^ing, and consider it as one lent; — 



1 



ANN BYRD. 51 

may my time be occupied, not in gratifying myself, 
in doing my own works, but may it be dedicated 
to my Heavenly Father. May I endeavor at all 
times, and in all places, to serve him with the abil - 
ity he may be pleased to afford. This is a cove- 
nant that I have repeatedly made ; and may no de- 
sii'e after ease, no shrinking from suffering ever 
prevent my endeavoring to fulfil it. 

In the hour of negligence or thoughtlessness, 
may the Divine Spirit warn me ; in the hour of 
forget fulness, may it bring this covenant to my re- 
membrance ; and in the hour of weakness may it 
strengthen me ; for it is all-sufficient and omni- 
present; it is God in the soul of man revealing 
himself to us, as we are able to bear it. 

1st Month 19th, 1830. 
dearest Father, thou knowest that I have de- 
sired not to shrink from what may be for the pro- 
motion of thy work. Wilt thou continue to be 
with me, and in the way in which I can most ac- 
ceptably do thy will— in the way of thy leading, I 
desire to give glory and honor to thee. I have ex- 
perienced the happiness of thy government : — In 
poverty, I have learned that thy favor is wealth ; 
in adversity, I have proved that thy love is pros- 
perity. Unto thee, dearest Father, I desire to 
surrender myself and my concerns ; I delight in 
the promotion of thy work; it is joy to me to do 



52 MEMORtAL OK 

thy will ; may this privilege be granted me, and in 
all things may it be my endeavor to give glory 
to thee. 

Her last illness commenced about the 1st of 8th 
month, 1830, and continued with but little inter- 
mission, until the close of her life. Her sufferings 
during the latter part of her sickness, were at times 
very great, but she bore them, not only with re- 
signation, but with cheerfulness. 

The following are a few extracts from the memo- 
randums written by her during her indisposition. 

9th Month 26th, 1830. 
The times, O dearest Father, are in thy hands; 
thou knowest when it is best to sever the thread of 
life ; — when our work is finished, Oh ! then to be 
admitted to the mansions of rest and peace ; to 
ascend unto God the Father of Spirits ; is it not 
the summit of the Christian's hope ? 

12th Month 2Sth, 1830. 
Precious are those moments, when the heart 
enjoys intercourse with its God, holy communion 
with the Father of Spirits, the God of consola- 
tion, from whom proceeds every blessing. Thine 
are we, Lord, Thee, thy servant desires to 
serve in gratitude and integrity of heart. 



ANN BYRD. OJ 

IstMoBth 19th, 1831. 
It is delightful to pour forth my heart unto 
thee, Thou, who seest in secret, who hears the 
petitions — the aspiration of thy children, Thy ser- 
vant, Father, thou knowest, has not asked for 
an abundance of the treasures of this life, but I 
have desired wisdom and ability to do thy will, 
Lord, and the guidance of thy Holy Spirit. 

2d Month 15th, 1831. 
My grateful acknowledgements are rendered 
unto thee, dearest Father, for the favor of con- 
tentment ; surely this also is thy gift. Oh! may I 
reverently bow before thee, under a grateful sense 
of thy manifold mercies. Thou, Lord, seest 
the future — thou knowest what is best for us, best 
for the promotion of thy work through us, and in 
whatever way thou seest meet, that thy servant 
should be an example to others, may thy will be 

done. 

3d Month 28th, 1831. 

Be it, Father, according to thy word ; this 
has been the aspiration of my heart this day. In 
sickness, or in health, may good be done — the 
Lord be glorified. The pure in heart, the redeem- 
ed in spirit, are permitted to see thee, Lord, 
glorious in holiness, doing wonders. Thy ways 
are not as man's, neither are thy dispensations 
like unto the bread which perisheth, the enjoy- 



54 MEMORIAL OF 

ments of time ; but in thee, tlie rigliteous rejoice, 
and find safety. Thou art the refuge of thy peo- 
ple every where, a present helper in times of trial; 
and though thy devoted children may be beheld 
as smitten and afflicted, through their sufferings, 
shall there not be revealed important truths ? 

Her illness gradually increased, but that humble 
confidence and placid tranquility, which had mer- 
cifully been her experience through life, continued 
in undiminished strength and sweetness, until her 
death, which took place on the 9th of 5th Month, 
1831, in the 33d year of her age. 

Thus has been early taken away our beloved 
sister, but her example will remain with us in pre- 
cious remembrance. Her life was adorned with 
meekness and innocency; and we believe she was 
graciously permitted to enjoy the fulfilment of the 
animating appeal of the prophet, ** Thou wilt keep 
him in perfect ))eace, whose mind is stayed on 
thee, because he trusteth in thee.'' 



A Testimony of Oswego Monthly Meeting, con- 
cerning Benjamin Mitchell, deceased. 

As the memory of the just yet remains to be pre- 
cious, we think it right to preserve some testimony 
concerning our beloved friend, Benjamin Mitchell, 



J 



BENJAMIN MITCHELL. 55 

who was born on the Island of Nantucket, on the 
28th of the 12th Month, 1771. His parents, Rich- 
ard and Hepzibeth Mitchell, being members of the 
society of Friends, educated him with the rest of 
their children in the principles of the society. 
About the 29th year of his age, he was brought 
under a religious concern of mind ; and from that 
time he was frequent in reading the Scriptures, in 
which practice he continued to the end of his days ; 
often recommending it to others. In his 33d year, 
he first appeared in the ministry, which was to 
the satisfaction of his friends. 

About the year 1809, he removed with his fami- 
ly within the verge of Nine Partners Monthly Meet- 
ing. During his residence there, he evinced a de- 
dication to the Lord's cause, by the uprightness of 
his conduct ; and though abounding in earthly 
affluence, he was an example of great simplicity, 
being scrupulously careful not to indulge in the 
use of superfluous equipage, or in the wearing of 
costly apparel. But conforming to the wholesome 
advice of our discipline, he manifested due mode- 
ration in the furniture of his house, and in the 
manner of his living, saying, that " his so doing, 
would enable him to do more to relieve the poor,'* 
in whose comfort he took a deep interest, and was 
ever ready to assist them with a liberal hand : so 
that the declaration of Job, we believe, may be 



56 MEMORIAL OF 

justly^* applied to him — ** I was a father to the poor, 
and the cause which I knew not, I searched out." 
He manifested by his works, that he was in posses- 
sion of that '* Pure religion and undefiled before 
God and the Father, (spoken of by the Apostle, 
which) is this, to visit the fatherless and widows 
in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted 
from the world." He cheerfully and frequently 
devoted a portion of his time to visit and sympa- 
thize with the afflicted, whether in body or mind; 
often holding forth the language of encourage- 
ment, and consoling them by his soothing address, 
for which he was very remarkable. He was dili- 
gent in the attendance of meetings, and manifested 
a lively concern in a consistent administration of 
the discipline of the church, frequently endeavor- 
ing to stimulate and encourage Friends to a faith- 
ful discharge of their respective duties therein. 
In his ministry, he was sound and edifying, and 
his communications, though frequent, were not in 
the abundance of words, for he appeared careful 
to attend to the clear openings of the spring of the 
Gospel, however simple, and was many times led 
to point out the states of individuals present. 
Some of his religious views are exemplified by his 
own words, as expressed to a friend at the close 
of his last visit to his native island. " I believe as 
I always have, that men are not made better, mere- 



BENJAMIN MITCHELL. 57 

ly by a profession of religion, but by purity of 
heart ; and I desire no one to follow me any further 
than they believe I am following Christ, the hope 
of my salvation, the everlasting rock upon which 
the true church has been built in every age of the 
world. I have no new views to offer, nor any 
other Gospel to preach than that, which I at first 
received of the Father. This Gospel inspires a 
friendly feeling to every member of the human fa- 
mily — a disposition that wishes well to all; which 
can weep with the afflicted, and hand relief to the 
child of adversity, which can greet all men as 
brothers. These are principles I crave may abide 
with me to the end of my earthly pilgrimage.'' 

His religious labors were mostlj^ confined to the 
limits of his own Quarterly Meeting, yet he per- 
formed several visits abroad ; two or three to some 
of the Meetings in the compass of Ehode Island 
Quarterly Meeting, one to Friends in New 
Jersey, and one to Friends on Long Island. He 
was a tender husband, and an affectionate pa- 
rent, endeavoring to bring up his children in the 
fear and admonition of the Lord, and careful to 
educate them agreebly to the testimony of Friends. 

He removed within the verge of this Monthly 
Meeting a few months previous to his death, dur- 
ing which time his services were very acceptable 
to Friends. 



r>8 MRMORIAL OF 

He was at meeting, when attacked with an ap- 
oplectic, fit, which in a few days terminated his 
life. He had just concluded a short, but lively 
communication with these words — "1 know that 
my Redeemer liveth/' and *' because he liveth, I 
shall live also.'* 

We believe he could adopt the language of the 
Apostle — *' I have fought a good fight — I have 
finished my course — I have kept the faith : hence- 
forth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteous- 
ness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall 
give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto 
all them also, that love his appearing/' He de- 
parted this life on the 25th day of 1 Ith Month, 
1832, in the 61st year of his age. 



A Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of New- 
York, concerning our esteemed Friend, John 
Merritt, deceased. 

He was born in Cortland Town, West Chester 
County, State of New-York, the 23d of 4th Month, 
1758. His parents, although not members of our 
religious society, attended its meetings, bringing 
their children with them. The subject of this 
memorial became a member about the twenty-sixth 
year of his age, a short time before his marriage. 
His health becoming feeble, so as to render him 



JOHN MERRITT. 59 

unable to support the fatigues attending agricul- 
tural pursuits, he removed with his family to this 
city about the year 1793, where he commenced 
business, and pursued it for about thirty years, 
sustaining the character in his dealings amongst 
men, of an upright and honest man. 

About ten years before his decease, his children 
being married and settled aronnd him, and exer- 
tion on his part being no longer necessary, he re- 
linquished business and resided with his son-in-law. 
During this period, and indeed for many years 
previous, much of his time was spent in visiting 
and consoling the afBlicted ; and although unable 
to contribute much in a pecuniary way to their re- 
lief, yet he often caused the abode of poverty to be 
cheered by making the more wealthy acquainted 
with the situation of its inmates. 

From the time he became a member of society, 
he was a diligent attender of our religious meet- 
ings, and was often led, in his friendly visits to 
others, more particularly those in the younger 
walks of life, to encourage them to the perform- 
ance of this incumbent and reasonable service. 
He was for a long period , an Overseer, of the 
Meeting of which he was a member ; and few of 
those to whom his labors in this capacity were ex- 
tended, will soon forget the paternal kindness that 
marked his manner on such occasions. He also, 



GO MEMORIAL OF 

for many years, filled the important station of an 
Elder. His meekness, simplicity, and circumspec- 
tion of conduct, gave him much place in the minds 
of his friends, being conspicuous for loving kind- 
ness and charity. 

For some weeks before his death, his disease 
{i\\e dropsy,) increased rapidly upon him, confin- 
ing him most of the time to his house, during 
which he had his seasons of close conflict. 

He, whose dispensations to his children are all 
in wisdom, was pleased to withdraw the light of 
his conntenance, and suffer his mind to be over- 
shadowed, as with a thick cloud ; yet in this state of 
affliction, both of body and mind, he did not cast 
away his confidence, believing that he who permit- 
ted this trial of his faith, would, in his own due 
time, cause the cloud so to be dispersed, and that 
he should be favored to feel his supporting arm of 
power, to be underneath in the solemn hour of 
death, which he felt to be rapidly approaching. 
To one of his daughters, who tenderly sympathis- 
ed with him, during this season of conflict, he said, 
**do not feel anxious, it is no new thing to be proved 
in this way ; it has been so with many others ; even 
the blessed Master, in a trying hour, cried out, ' why 
hast thou forsaken me,' '' and added, "I trust all 
will yet be well with me." 

About ten days before his decease, he appeared 
so much more unwell, as to recjuire the family to br^ 
called in the night. Upon their entering his room, 



JOHN MERRITT. 61 

he remarked, ''I am sorry you should be disturbed, 
as I do not expect you can do any thing to relieve 
me." On being told, they could not feel satisfied to 
be from him at such a time as this ; he, with a sweet 
smile on his countenance, remarked, that he hoped 
they would not be agitated or alarmed, that he was 
not in the least — that he felt peace and quietness in 
his own mind — that every doubt was removed, and 
every cloud dispersed, all was bright before him, 
and that there was nothing in his way — -that his 
heart was filled with love— that he was ready to 
break forth in singing Hallelujah, Hallelujah, and 
several times repeated Oh ! Joy, Joy, Joy. 

He expressed a desire to see some friends, with 
whom he had been formerly associated in exercise, 
for the support of our religious testimonies in this 
city. Some of whom, on being informed of it, call- 
ed to see him. He appeared glad of the opportu- 
nity of taking them by the hand, evincing that his 
spirit was clothed with that love, which seeks the 
good of all — embraces and would gather all with- 
out distinction, who submit to its holy influence. 

One of his legs becoming increasingly painful, he 
was desirous of knowing if there was any change in 
in its appearance. On being informed that there 
were dark spots on it, he remarked, " I suppose it 
is mortification, and will probably terminate before 
many days ; it is what 1 have looked for, and I now 



62 MEMORIAL OF 

feel fully prepared for the event." On one occa- 
sion, when laboring under great pain, of which he 
had frequent turns, his friends expressing great 
sympathy with him, he remarked, that his distress 
was very great, but although he suilered much, yet 
not so much as the blessed Master, whose agony 
was so great, that he sweat as it were great drops 
of blood, adding, that it was only distress of body. 
His mind being evidently in perfect peace, he 
seemed to gather strength to bear up under his 
distress, by frequently calling to mind, and several 
times referring to that circumstance. 

About three days before his decease, feeling his 
strength to be failing, and aware that the time of 
his departure was drawing nigh, he took leave of 
his family and those in attendance, under solemn 
and affecting feelings ; extending counsel and en- 
couragement in a remarkable manner. At an- 
other time, one present, hearing him say that, like 
Jacob of old, he had wrestled all night for the 
blessing, added, (and those present felt the force 
of the observation,) that he now, like Jacob, could 
rest upon his staff, and confer a blessing on his 
children. 

On fifth-day evening, he signified he had passed 
through a state of close trial ; it seemed as if a 
view of his whole life iiad bet-n spread before hira 
in a very remarkable manner; many occurrences in 



JOHN MERRITT. 63 

his youtb, that he had not considered really wrong, 
were afresh brought into remembrance, which new 
appeared vain and sinful, and caused him grate- 
fully to acknowledge and query, as the woman of Sa- 
maria did — '' Come see a man which told me all 
things that ever I did— is not this the Christ V 
But he now felt that they were all blotted out, and 
that there was not a cloud in his way ; he could 
now sing the triumphant song, " death where 
is thy sting ? Grave, where is thy victory]'' And 
afterwards remarked, *' I never, until within a few 
days past, have seen the time when the thoughts 
of the message, ' Steward, give an account of 
thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer 
steward,' had not brought rather a dread over my 
mind ; but now the prospect is so bright, that I 
sometimes fear I shall not wait with patience, the 
appointed time." 

On sixth day, about noon, on waking from a long 
sleep, he thus addressed his dear wife and child- 
ren, who were around his bed — '' I commend you 
in the words of Christ to his disciples, that ye love 
one another ; remember it is the last advice of a 
dying father.'' He then gave directions about his 
funeral, requesting to be put in a white pine coffin, 
and that all should be done in a plain way, and 
without parade. He then embraced and took an 
atfectionate leave of his dear companion, and re- 



64 MEMORIAL OF 

quested, that if any called, to whom it might be 
thought his closing scene would be useful, that 
they might be permitted to witness it, that he fear- 
ed not death, but felt, that to him, it would be a 
happy change. 

This was the last time his mind appeared collect- 
ed, after which, he lay in a sort of stupor until the 
afternoon of the next day, the 26th of the 10th 
month, 1833. He then appeared to fall into a deep 
sleep ; and in the evening, ceased to breathe; being 
in the 76th year of his age. And we believe that 
his sanctified spirit is gathered with the righteous 
of all preceding generations to a state of rest and 
peace in the full fruition of that joy, of which he 
had been favored to have an abundant foretaste. 



The Testimony of Amawalk Monthly Meetings 
concerning Piif.be Wright, deceased. 

This, our beloved friend, was the daughter of 
Ephraim and Elizabeth Quinby, and was born at 
Aimwell, in New-Jersey, the 9th of 3d Month, 
1747. Her parents were not members of the So- 
ciety of Friends. When quite young she removed, 
and lived with a connection in the county of West- 
chester, within the limits of Purchase Monthly 
Meeting, where she resided till after her marriage 



II 



PKEBE WRIGHT. 65 

with Reuben Wright, which took place in the year 
1770. About this time, she became convinced of 
Friends' principles, and in due time became a mem- 
ber of Purchase Monthly Meeting. By giving 
heed to the dictates of truth in her own mind, she 
advanced in religious experience, and received a 
gift in the ministry. 

In the year 1784, she, with her husband and 
family removed within the limits of this meeting, 
of which she was a member the remaining part of 
her life. She was a diligent attender of our reli- 
gious meetings, when of ability, even to advanced 
age ; and having the charge of a pretty numerous 
offspring she manifested a deep concern for their 
welfare, frequently saying, '' dear children, be dili- 
gent in the attendance of religious meetings, for if 
they are attended under a right concern, it will 
prove a blessing ; and further exhorted them to 
beware of the fear of man ; for, said she, " I have 
been as a star, shining butglimmeringly, by giving 
way thereto;" and pausing a little, she exclaimed, 
*' Oh ! Lord, thou knowest that I have ever loved 
thee from a child to the present day ; if consistent 
with thy will, admit me into thy holy enclosure." 

For several years before"* her decease, she was 
afflicted with an asthmatic affection ; and about two 
weeks before her close, the disorder seemed to in- 
dicate a final separation from all things here be 
5 



6G MKMORIAL OF 

low This prospect brought uo terror with it; but 
she appeared perfectly resigned to the will of her 
Heavenly Father, saying at one time, " I know 
not what I am spared here for, except it is to fill 
up my cup of suffering ; but thy will, Father, 
and not mine, be done." 

The day before she died, she said that the pre- 
ceding night, had been the most pleasant night that 
she ever experienced, fully evincing that she enjoy- 
ed her divine Master's presence. She retained 
the possession of her mental faculties to the last ; 
and on the morning of the 27th of 12th Month 
1S32, she quietly passed away, as one falling into 
a sweet sleep, aged nearly 86 years. 



A Memorial of Cornwall Monthly Meeting concern- 
ing our beloved Friend^ Mary Titus. 

She was born on Long Island, the 13th day of 
3d Month, 1761. Her parents, Henry and Eliza- 
beth Cock, were members of the Society of 
Friends. She was made sensible in early life, of 
the dealings of her great and Gracious Creator, 
and was concerned to seek the kingdom of Heaven, 
and the righteousness thereof; and the promise of 
the Divine Master was verified in her experience ; 
*' all these (necessary) things shall be added.*' 



MARY TITUS, 67 

She was married to our Friend, William Titus ; 
soon after which, she removed with her husband to 
Cornwall, and became a member of this Monthly 
Meeting, She was a faithful and affectionate wife ; 
the law of love and kindness appeared to be the 
governing principle of her mind ; she was a ten- 
der motherj without giving way to the improper 
indulgence of her children, and was very exem- 
plary in the attendance of religious meetings, care- 
ful to have her children with her, not suffering 
worldly business to prevent the discharge of this 
important duty. 

She was of grave and solid deportment, and of a 
meek and quiet spirit. She was appointed to the 
station of an Elder soon after her settlement in 
this meeting, in which service, she continued use- 
ful during the renjainder of her life. It was the 
lot of this, our dear Friend, to meet with close 
trials, which she was enabled to endure with pa- 
tience and resignation. 

Her concern for the welfare of society, did not 
abate in the decline of life, though she felt herself 
in some measure released, from taking so active a 
part in meetings for discipline, as she had former- 
ly done ; expressing about two years before her 
death, in a Monthly Meeting, a belief that her days' 
work in that way was nearly done ; but that she 
felt no abatement of concern for the promotion of 



C8 MEMORIAL OF 

truth, and expressed a desire, that those in young- 
er life, might witness a qualification, to labor for 
the advancement of its testimonies. She was con- 
fined in her last illness, about seven months ; du. 
ring this time, she endured great bodily suffering, 
which she bore with Christian patience. 

In a time of great distress, when her children 
were sitting about her, she said, **it does me good 
to have yoa sit down and sympathize with me, and 
to intercede that faith and patience may hold out 
to the end.'' 

She often expressed a desire, that her children 
might be engaged in the promotion of the cause of 
truth and righteousness; and that they might con- 
tinue, when her mortal part should be laid in the 
grave, frequently to visit each other, and keep the 
chain of tender and endearing friendship bright. 

She observed that she had been favored to feel 
a flow of love more constant, since her illness, than 
at any former period of her life, which was also 
manifested through her counsel and advice to 
those who visited her ; encouraging the youth to 
bear the cross, expressing the consolation she now 
felt, in that she had yielded in good measure to 
manifested duty in early life. 

She frequently mentioned the benefit that she 
liad received when young, from the labors of those 
engaged in religious visits to families ; and greatly 



I 



MARY TITUS. 69 

desired that the Lord would still continue to call 
and qualify laborers in this important work. 

Not many days before her decease, her bodily 
affliction being very great, and having a blessed 
assurance of her reconciliation to her Heavenly 
Father, she became desirous to be released, and on 
being reminded of the expression of Christ, under 
the prospect of the bitter cup of suffering ; *' not 
my will, but thine be done ;" she answered, ^'yes, 
I know it,'' and added, " we must not only be will- 
ing to die, but also to live, as the Lord's time is 
always the best time." 

She departed this life the 14th day of 7th month, 
1833, and we have no doubt, has received the 
answer of " well done good and faithful servant, 
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 



The Testimony of East Hoosic Monthly Meeting, 
concerning Phebb, late the wife of Joseph 
Shove. 

She was born at East Greenwich, on the 1st of 
7th month, J 776, of religious parents, Isaac and 
Phebe Upton ; the latter was removed by death, 
when the subject of this memoir was a child, which 
left her more exposed to the allurements of the 
world ; but being religiously inclined, she manifest- 



70 MEMORIAL OF 

ed an increasing concern to keep to plainness and 
simplicity ; she was a dilic:ent attender of our re- 
ligious meetings, and careful in encouraging her 
family to this important duty. Several years pre- 
vious to her last illness, she was appointed to the 
station of an Elder, and appeared sensibly aflFected 
with the responsibility of the station ; but trusting 
in the sufficiency of Almighty help, she endeavor- 
ed to discharge her duty under the teaching of 
divine wisdom. 

She was taken sick on the 4th of 8th month, 
1833, and endured a painful illness for about a 
year, manifesting much patience and resignation. 
She experienced many baptizing seasons, in which 
she administered instruction, reproof, and encour- 
agement to many minds, having strength and ut- 
terance given to the admiration of those that were 
present. She was led with thankful acknowledg- 
ment, after those favored opportunities, to rejoice 
in the Lord, and joy in the God of her salvation ; 
fully believing that it was through suffering and 
much tribulation, that we gain an admittance 
amongst the ransomed and redeemed of the Lord ; 
often saying, that she was willing to spend and be 
spent for the promotion of the cause of truth and 
righteousness on the earth. She expressed her 
renewed and earnest solicitude for the precious 
youth, that they might come up in obedience to 



PHEBE SHOVE. 71 

their Heavenly Father's will, and be as lights in 
the world, denying themselves and taking up the 
cross, that they might obtain the crown of peace 
to their never dying souls, making mention of the 
sufferings of our forefathers and predecessors, 
whereby they procured many privileges that we 
now enjoy: how they were dragged to prison, and 
many sealed their testimony with their blood, and 
added, *'0h, that none may give way to discourage- 
ment, but press on towards * the mark for the prize 
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,' for the 
Lamb and his followers will have the victory. Oh, 
this is a heavenly consolation worth seeking after, 
by the whole human family. What shall I render 
unto my God for all his mercies ; glory honor, 
praise and power, be ascribed ymto his adorable 
name for ever.'' 

Two Friends, who were in unity with her pre- 
vious to the late separation, coming in, asked her 
how she did ; she replied, *' I am weak in body, 
but believe 1 can say, I am strong in the Lord," 
and asked them to sit down. After a time of si- 
lence, she commenced with telling them, that her 
mind had been deeply exercised that forenoon ; it 
seemed almost insupportable, and said she, **I 
sought the Lord to know the cause, and he was 
pleased, in his infinite goodness, to reveal his will 
tome ; and an assurance was given, that it was 



72 MEMORIAL OF 

not through my own deviations, hut on account of 
declensions in society, from the true fold of rest. 
Oh, this has caused deep mourning indeed; but 
the Lord's power lias been my support ; I did not 
know^ that I should have any thing to communi- 
cate to any one, in this way. But dear Friends, 
be up and doing — come forth in the glorious cause 
of truth — let us join hand in hand in his great 
work, for he has arisen with power and might, and 
is shaking the earth and the false heavens also, 
for the truth is making its way, although all the 
combined powers of darkness tight against it, it will 
prevail. Oh, that his hand may not spare, nor 
his eye i Ity, till judgment is brought forth unto 
victory. 0, touch not the Lord's anointed, nor do 
his prophets any harm. Come let us join in faith- 
fulness, and willingly devote the rest of our lives 
to the service of the Lord. There is great need 
of renouncing the world and all the vain-glories 
thereof, to become the true followers of our holy 
pattern, ;the meek and lowly Jesus. I have often 
thought it was a great thing to be a true follower 
of, as well as a true believer in Christ ; willing 
to part with all for his sake , fully believing it will 
not answer to keep back part of the price." 

She wished to be remembered to a near relative, 
and said, *' give my love to him in the Lord, and 
tell him I have a full assurance of going to rest. 



II 



PHCBE SHOVE. 73 

and that I remain firm and unshaken in the faith 
of our Lord Jesus Christ — that I have long been 
established in, and which never was and never will 
be shaken/' To a sister who came to see her, 
she said, " dear sister, be faithful in discharging 
thy duty to thy precious children ; do not deck 
and adorn them, by giving way to the fashions 
and customs of this world ; a stripping time will 
come/' and holding up her feeble hands, she said, 
** look here, and see what all flesh must come to." 
At another time, an acquaintance coming to see 
her, she mentioned how it had been with her the 
preceding day, and said, ^' It has been a day of 
deep probation with me. I thought that I had 
done my days' work, months ago ; but I have foand 
a great work since, and believe I have not finished 
yet. Although nearly exhausted and my strength 
almost gone, I have felt the presence of the un- 
slumbering Shepherd of Israel to be near, and have 
found him to be health in sickness, riches in pov- 
erty, and a present helper in every needful time." 
The remark was made by one present, *' as thy 
day is, so shall thy strength be ;" she replied, '' I 
know it to be so ; for after the most extreme weak- 
ness, I have had to declare unto others what He 
has, in his loving kindness, seen meet to qualify 
me to dispense unto them ; may we be valiant sol- 
diers in the cause of Christ on earth." She ex- 



74 MEMORIAL OF 

pressed much more on this wise, that was not 
taken down. 

At one time during much bodily distress, she 
said, •' I have remembcM-ed how it was with our 
blessed Saviour, when on the cross, he cried out, 
' My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me]' ** 
and then added, *'not my will, Lord, but thine 
be done ; my distress is nothing comparable to his 
sufferings.'' She then prayed that she might be 
enabled to bear all that the Lord was pleased to lay 
upon her, and wait in quiet submission for her final 
change, saying, ** the Lord's time is the best time." 
To her friends, who were in her room, she said, 
" come join me in singing hallelujahs to my God, 
who is all glory, wisdom and power." She then 
wished to have her family together, saying, '' I be- 
lieve my work is almost done." Then appearing in 
supplication, she prayed that the Lord might be 
with her dear family in the time of separation that 
would soon take place, adding, " not my will, but 
thine be done." Her husband being present, she, 
in an affectionate manner, took her leave of him, 
and said, '* It has been a great trial to me to leave 
thee, but the tie that has long bound us together, 
must now be separated ; do be willing to give ilp 
to what is required of thee, and the Lord will bless 
thee, and will be thy companion and guide. I am 
sensible that thou wilt meet with many trials, but 



PHEBE SHOVE. 75 

my prayer is, that thou mayest be supported under 
them/' To her children she said, " be good to 
your father ; he has been a kind father to you, and 
do endeavor to be a comfort to him in the decline 
of life." Taking them separately by the hand, she 
imparted to them much good advice, and bidding all 
farewell, she said, '* don't mourn for me, do give me 
up ; I believe my work is now done — I have fought 
the good fight — I have kept the faith, and shall 
finish my course with joy." 

She continued in a peaceful resigned state, and 
near the last expressed herself as follows : — '' Oh ! 
what a glorious prospect I have — I can see the 
heavens opened ready to receive me in the man- 
sions of rest. Oh, blessed convoy, hasten if con- 
sistent with thy will, why tarry longer? I shall 
soon join the angels and archangels in singing the 
glorious anthem of peace." 

A short time before she breathed her last, she 
said, ** I believe the time of release has come, and 
that my prayer will be granted, that this day 
might be the last, if it was the Lord's will." 

She departed like one falling asleep, retaining 
her senses to the last, on the 8th of the 8th month, 
1834 ; and no doubt has received the salutation of 
well done thou good and faithful servant, enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord. 



7G MEMORIAL OF 



A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Friends 
of Nantucket, concernivg our deceased Friend, 
SusAx F. Pell. 

A record of the gracious dealings of Almighty 
goodness to individuals who have been removed 
from us by death ; while it is calculated to '* stir 
up the pure mind by way of remembrance," may, 
with the Divine blessing, be a means of drawing 
the thoughtless and unconcerned to reflect upon 
that period, when the impressive admonition must 
be heard — '* Steward, give an account of thy stew- 
ardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward." 

It is in this view that we have believed it right, 
thus to preserve some of the interesting particu- 
lars, which marked the closing moments of our 
beloved Friend, Susan F. Pell, whose memory is 
dear to those with whom she was connected in re- 
ligious fellowship, and by whom her loss has been 
sensibly felt. 

We do not apprehend ourselves called upon to 
enter into a minute account of the incidents which 
marked her early life, or the dispensations through 
which it was her lot to pass ; because those events, 
though important at the time, as appertaining to 
herself, are less a matter of general interest, than 



I 



SUSAN F. PELL. 77 

those to which we have alluded, and which we feel 
it our duty in a particular manner to preserve. 

We believe the instructive lesson which a well 
spent life inculcates, is sometimes deeply impress- 
ed by the serenity which its closing moments ex- 
hibit ; and that it not unfrequently inspires the 
fervent aspiration, ''let me die the death of the 
righteous, and let my last end be like his." 

We desire that the example of this our beloved 
friend, may induce such a reflection, for we believe 
that those who knew her best, will admit that it 
holds forth the invitation, follow me as I have 
(endeavored) to follow Christ. In whom she be- 
lieved, and on whom alone, she trusted as the sure 
anchor of her hope for eternal salvation. 

The subject of the present memoir, was born at 
Nantucket, the 28th of 4th month, 1784, was edu- 
cated a member of the Society of Friends, a con- 
nexion which was continued during the whole pe- 
riod of her life. She survived both her parents, 
George and Rebecca Folger, the latter but about 
two years, whose separation, to her daughter, was 
a trying dispensation. But she murmured not at 
that hand which had seen fit to sever the cord 
thafc had bound them together in near fellowship, 
and calmly resigned her beloved mother to him 
who had called her to himself. 

She removed from Nantucket after her marriage. 



78 MEMORIAL OK 

and resided in New-York till she was left a widow; 
after which, in the year 1828, she returned to the 
place of her birth ; and upon the establishment of 
the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Nantucket, by 
Westbury Quarterly Meeting, she became an ac- 
tive member of that meeting, filling her several al- 
lotments acceptably to her friends, and, as we be- 
lieve, with satisfaction to herself. She manifested 
a deep interest in the maintenance of our several 
religious testimonies, which, we believe, was the 
result of a rightly exercised mind ; whereby she 
was qualified for the proper discharge of the im- 
portant duties of life, rendering the application to 
her of the apostolic doctrine peculiarly appropri- 
ate — " Pure religion and undefiled before God and 
the Father, is this, — to visit the fatherless and the 
widows in their affliction, and to keep ourselves 
unspotted from the world." Her confidence being 
placed in the eternal principle, rather than in the 
unsubstantial systems, the creeds and confessions 
of faith of men ; she was led to a faithful attend- 
ance of all our religious meetings; and in her last 
illness expressed to a friend who called to see her, 
the satisfaction she had derived from the perform- 
ance of this reasonable duty, saying that she had 
found consolation in it ; having at times gone to 
meeting, feeling poor and destitute ; but as she 
sought for the spring of Divine life in herself, and 



II 






SltSAN F PELL. 79 

kept to this, she had been favored to return, as it 
were, filled and satisfied. She expressed an earn- 
est desire, that all our members might be alive to 
this important concern ; and as an evidence of her 
faith in the promise that where two or three are 
gathered together in the Master*s name, he would 
be there in the midst of them, to bless them ; she 
further remarked, that she encouraged her daugh- 
ter, (for whom she expressed the deep solicitude of 
a kind mother,) to leave her and go to meeting, 
even when she felt that it was hardly safe for her 
to be left alone. During the interview alluded to, 
she expressed the satisfaction she derived from the 
reflection, that there was a communion of soul with 
soul, in a state where there could be no separa- 
tion — where every nation, kindred, tongue and 
people meet and mingle together ; and added, that 
she rejoiced that however prejudice and misap- 
prehension might separate here — might divide 
brother from brother, that in the blessed commu- 
nion of saints and angels in Heaven, was heard 
one interrupted song of praise for ever and ever. 

In reference to the particular meeting, of which 
she was a member, she remarked, that though it 
was small, she regarded this as a matter of little 
consequence ; that our strength consisted not in 
numbers, but in individual faithfulness ; and all 
she craved was an evidence of Divine acceptance ; 



80 MEMORIAL OF 

adding, that if a better way had have been mani- 
fested to her, she should have carefully walked 
in it. 

Several limes during the interview, she mani- 
fested considerable emotion ; and there can be no 
doubt, that it was the result of an impression on 
her own mind, which had for several months mani- 
fested itself, that the time of her earthly pilgrim- 
age was drawing to a close. No one who witness- 
ed the preparations she made, having reference to 
such an event, could be in doubt of this. And a 
letter to a beloved friend in New-York, probably 
the last she ever wrote, is closed with the following 
impressive reflections: — *' If we meet not again, 
dear friend, in this vale of tears, this I can assure 
thee, thou art dear to the fondest feelings of my 
heart ; and I crave, we may be permitted to meet 
in that state of blessedness, where neither change 
nor separation is known, but where one unbounded 
love encircles all " 

It was the last salutation of affection to an ab- 
sent friend, but he who in mercy hath promised 
that the floods shall not pass over those who repose 
in him, was found to be near to support her, and 
give her confidence at the trying hour; for, to her 
daughter, who seemed much affected at seeing 
her mother sinking under bodily suffering, she re- 
marked, '• it distresses me to see thee grieve, not on 



SUSAN F. PELL. 81 

my own account, but on thine ; my own mind is at 
ease — there is nothing in my way." At another 
time, after a severe struggle of nature, which indi- 
cated immediate dissolution, she said, *' it seems 
as if my work was done, and I hope well done.'' 
How much is comprehended in such expressions at 
a moment like this ; they only, who can estimate 
their import, can truly appreciate them. The 
event proved the correctness of her remark, that 
her work was done, for on the succeeding day, the 
16th of 2d month, 1835, she quietly departed this 
life in the 51st year of her age. 

When we reflect upon the peaceful serenity, 
which, while it marked the closing scene of our 
dear friend, seemed somewhat to hallow the dispen- 
sation ; do we not feel our hearts touched, as it 
were with a live coal from His Holy Altar, point- 
ing our spiritual afl'ections individually, to that city 
which hath foundations, whose builder and maker 
is God. May we cherish these feelings, that thus 
we may hope to be partakers of that state of bless- 
edness referred to by our deceased friend, and up- 
on which we believe she has entered, where neither 
change nor separation is known, " but where one 
universal love encircles all.*' 



82 MRMORIVL OP 



The Memorial of Renssclaerville Mantlihj Meetings 
concerning our Friend Jordan Frost, deceased. 

Beiug sensibly affected with the loss we have 
sustained, in the removal from works to rewards 
of this our beloved friend, we feel our minds en- 
gaged to give forth the following testimony con- 
cerning him. 

He was born at Oysterbay, on Long Island, in 
the 2nd Month, 1754. Although our information 
respecting his early life is imperfect, yet it appears 
that he was of a sober and sedate turn of mind 
from his childhood. By yielding to religious im- 
pressions he felt himself drawn to join in member- 
ship with Friends, about the twentieth year of his 
age ; according to the testimony of those who knew 
him, he was at this early period engaged for the 
promotion of truth and righteousness in the earth, 
being an example of simplicity and uprightness. 
He very early evinced a religious concern in rela- 
tion to the use of ardent spirits, and was zealously 
engaged, both by example and precept, to discour- 
age the vending and consuming of this article. 

About the twenty-seventh year of his age he 
married Amy, daughter of Jacob and Amy Under- 
hill, and removed within the compass of Nine 
Partners Monthly Meeting. He was soon after ap- 




JORDAN FROST. 83 

pointed an Elder. This important trust he con- 
tinued to exercise, we believe, with faithfulness for 
more than fifty years, until his death. He had a 
clear view of the importance and excellency of a 
sound and living ministry. His concern for the 
welfare of society, as well as for the growth of in- 
dividuals in true religious experience, joined to the 
natural tenderness of his feelings, made him a 
sympathising fellow-helper to those in the minis- 
try, and qualified him to speak a word in due sea- 
son, by way of counsel or encouragement, to the 
exercised traveller. 

In the year 1799, he experienced a close trial in 
the death of his wife, which he bore with Chris 
tian fortitude and resignation. 

In 1803 he removed within the limits of this 
Monthly Meeting, then a branch of Coeymans. — 
Here a field of labor was opened for his usefulness ; 
he stood many years in the capacity of overseer, for 
which service he was eminently qualified. To his 
own Monthly and Quarterly meeting he was a dili- 
gent servant, often riding many miles to attend to 
appointments, for which he was particularly quali- 
fied. He was remarkable for his diligence in at- 
tending religious meetings, believing it to be a 
solemn duty, and his deportment in them was solid 
and weighty. 

He loved peace, and often usefully exerted him- 



84 MEMORIAL OF 

self in promoting it ; and being much beloved, he 
was eminently useful in settling differences, not 
only in his own Society, but among his neighbors. 

He was a true sympathiser with the afflicted, 
often visiting the members of his own Meeting in 
their respective families, administering counsel and 
encouragement suited to their several circumstan- 
ces. He having himself derived much consola- 
tion from the perusal of the Scriptures of Truth, 
he was concerned to encourage others in the read- 
ing of them. 

He was not officious in religious matters, but, 
when he expressed a sentiment, possessing uncom- 
mon diffidence, great weight was attached to it. 

The degraded condition of the enslaved African 
race was early an object of his concern — his sym- 
pathetic mind was engaged to promote their free- 
dom ; and it is believed to have been much through 
this early exercise that the slaves in his father's 
house were manumitted. He continued to main- 
tain this important testimony through life, having 
for many years abstained from the use of the pro- 
duce of slave labor, often expressing a desire that 
no act of his might contribute to the calamity, 
that he believed would overtake the nation if the 
practice of slavery were persisted in. In relation 
to his own Society he was heard to remark, a short 
time previous to his death, that he did not see that 



4 



ISAAC HAVILAND. 85 

the Society could advance without greater faith- 
fulness in this important particular. 

The last Meeting he attended was on a First-day, 
a little more than a week before his death, in which 
he was observed to be much affected with tender- 
ness. His last illness was short, through which 
his mind was calm and evidently centered in God, 
Although his mental faculties were somewhat im- 
paired, he was sensible his end was approaching, 
and expressed his resignation in either life or death. 
Thus, without apparent pain, he gradually declin- 
ed, and departed this life on the twenty -ninth of 
Fourth month, 1835, in the Eighty-second year of 
his age, and we doubt not is now permitted to en- 
joy the reward of a well spent life. 



A Memorial of Oblong Monthly Meeting con- 
cerning Isaac Haviland. 

He was born in the town of Rye, Westchester 
County, State of New- York, about the year 1750. 
His parents' names were Benjamin and Charlotte 
Haviland. They were zealous Episcopalians, and 
instructed him in that way of worship. His father 
dying before he arrived at manhood, he was soon 
after placed with a connection to learn a trade. 



80 MEMORIAL OF 

After serving out his apprenticeship he removed 
and settled within the limits of this Meeting : 
soon after which he was convinced of the princi- 
ples of Friends, and. on his request, was received 
into naembership with them. 

By taking heed to the unfoldings of the spirit of 
Truth; he was thereby enabled effectually to com- 
mence the work of self-denial in refraining from 
those vanities which are so liable to captivate the 
youthful mind. From the time he became a mem- 
ber of our religious Society, his steady uniform 
conduct was worthy of imitation. Although his 
residence was seven miles from Meeting — the 
country then new and the road extremely difficult 
to travel, yet, under these discouraging circum- 
stances he was a diligent attender of Meeting, and 
continued so through life. Through his faithful- 
ness and dedication, with that of some others in 
his neighborhood, way was opened in the course 
of a few years, to set up a Meeting near his home. 
This he esteemed a great privilege, believing it 
had a tendency to exalt the testimony of Truth ; 
and he looked back upon this circumstance with 
much satisfaction, even in the last stage of his life ; 
observing, on the evening previous to his decease, 
that he believed the little Meeting of Friends in 
his neighborhood, had been set up and established 
in the power of Truth, and had been a blessing to 



ISAAC HAVILAND. 87 

him and others, and signified that be had willingly 
done much for its support- 
He was a good example of plainness and sim- 
plicity, to the propriety and utility of which he 
bore frequent testimony. He willingly visited the 
abodes of the afflicted, and in that cheerful and 
open disposition peculiar to himself, which often 
brought consolation to those and others who were 
the receivers of his social visits. In the course of 
his sickness, he was kindly visited by many of his 
Friends and acquaintances, which gave him great 
satisfaction, as he often expressed, having realized 
in time of health much social enjoyment in the 
society of his Friends. 

He occupied the station of an Elder upwards of 
thirty years ; in which capacity he manifested an 
unremitting zeal for the promotion and prosperity 
of Truth in this branch of society, as also a lively 
interest for the maintainance of good order in 
the Society generally ; many times encouraging 
Friends by precept, correspondent with his exam- 
ple, to the due attendance of Meetings. He fre- 
quently attended neighboring Meetings, particu- 
larly Nine Partners and Purchase. The last Meet- 
ing he attended was a Quarterly Meeting at the 
latter place, held in the Tenth month, 1835, where 
his last sickness commenced, or became apparently 
serious : though laboring under much indisposition, 



8-^ MK.MORIAl. OF 

he attended the different sittings of the Meeting 
On returning home, his strength seemed consid- 
erably impaired, so that he kept his room. Under 
this trying dispensation, ^hen in full prospect of 
an approaching dissolution, he gave clear evidence 
of that christian resignation, which nothing but 
the power of redeeming love can produce, saying, 
*'he had been much favored with health during 
his life, and that this washis first confinement, and 
believed it would be his last'* — adding, *' but the 
Lord's will be done " Then observing, though 
thus reduced to so helpless a condition, *' I am 
even favored in this, as I undergo but little extreme 
pain, and if my bodily sensations were only as 
much at rest as my mind, I sliould enjoy a state of 
perfect serenity and quiet." 

In the early part of his sickness he observed to 
one of the family, '* I believe I shall continue with 
you but a short time; I am daily looking for a 
change, one that I am truly sensible it is a great 
attainment to be rightly prepared to meet with, 
but I feel nothing in my way." He then gave di- 
rections concerning his funeral, expressing a wish 
that a general invitation might be given without 
distinction, to those in particular, who had left our 
Monthly Meeting, adding " I am sure if they feel 
as I do, they will attend, for 1 have nothing but 
love and good-will for the whole human family." 



[SAAC HAVILANO. 89 

A Friend being with Mm, observed, '* that he bad 
long been a member of our Society, and had spent 
much time in the attendance of religious Meetings. 
He replied " yes, but none too much. It is now a 
consolation to me, for they that sacrifice willingly 
on the Lord's altar shall in no wise lose their re- 
ward,'' Further observing, '• that he felt a deep 
interest in the welfare of society and the prosperity 
of Truth, desiring that they who might be favored 
to remain a little longer, would be diligent in the 
attendance of religious Meetings, that Truth's tes- 
timonies might thus be promoted and flourish yet 
again amongst us" — giving much good advice to 
some of his grand-children and others, which can- 
not be particularly recollected. 

A Friend from a distance calling to see him, in 
conversation observed to him, '-^that he had long 
resided where he now did, and had at no time 
changed his place of residence." He replied, '' I 
have felt myself so buund to the little Meeting of 
which I am a member, that I have felt no liberty 
to leave it." At another time, towards the latter 
part of his illness, several of his friends and ac- 
quaintances coming in, and they being rather un- 
guarded, especially at such a time in conversing 
upon worldly concerns, he wished them to retire 
from the room, saying, '' this was a burthen to him* 



90 MEMORIAL OF 

as these things now appeared to l>e but vanity and 
vexation of spirit/' 

Many and various were the tribulations and 
conflicts of this our dear aged Friend, which ap- 
pear to have worked together for good, agreeably 
to his own declaration on the last evening of his 
life, when being told that it was likely he would 
continue but a short time, and that a belief was 
entertained that the bitter cups of affliction and 
trial of which he had been a partaker, he had 
known sanctified to him, he replied, '' he considered 
they had in mercy been a favor to him, and his 
afflictions a blessing;*' adding, ** it was for want 
of attending to the inward guide, the spirit of 
Truth, that so many strayed from the sure foun- 
dation." 

On the morning of his departure he was still 
favored with his reason, which had been the case 
during his sickness. Early that morning it was 
evident that the time of his dissolution was near at 
hand, of which he appeared to be sensible, and yet 
manifested a disposition to communicate, even at 
this time, although his voice was so feeble that but 
little could be distinctly understood. He spoke of 
the burning bush, and the still small voice, that 
held forth the language of peace, and, in the lan- 
guage of Scripture, said, ** Zaccheus make haste, 



ISAAC HAVILAND. 91 

and come down ; for this day will I abide at thy 
house ;" and much more that could not be under- 
stood. After a little pause in the quiet he said, 
" tell our separated Friends, from me, that I re- 
main of the same principle that I ever was, from 
my first convincement, and this is a principle of 
universallove, that breathes 'on earth peace, good 
will towards men,' and is equal to the whole hu- 
man family." It being mentioned to him that it 
was cause of thankfulness seeing he had been so 
remarkably favored with his reason during his 
sickness, and that it still remained to be his con- 
dition, he replied, ** yes, and I hope I continue 
grateful for it ; I know you all that stand around 
me as well as ever I did." Then calling the 
family separately by name, he bid them all affec- 
tionately farewell, and soon after quietly expired, 
the eighth of Twelfth-month, about the eighty-fifth 
year of his age, after an illness of near six weeks, 
which he endured with a resignation and Christian 
fortitude, that evinced a foretaste of those heavenly 
consolations, which we hum] )ly trust he with the 
righteous of all ages when disrobed of mortality, 
are made for ever the happy partakers of, without 
alloy. On the eleventh, his remains were taken 
to Friends' Meeting-house in the Valley, accom- 
panied by a large number of Friends and neigh- 
bors, and after a solemn Meeting held upon the 



92 MEMORIAL OF 

occasion, they were interred in Friends' burial- 
srround there. 



A Memorial of I he Monthly Meeting of New- York, 
relative to our beloved Friend, Phkhe T. Mer- 
RITT, deceased. 

She was born at Shappaqua, West Chester Coun- 
ty, State of New-York, the ninth of Fifth-month, 
1765. Her parents, Joseph and Phebe Weeks, 
were concerned to train up their children in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord. Her mother, 
who had an acceptable gift in the ministry, was 
removed from works to rewards in the prime of 
life ; but it appears she had been faithful to her 
Divine Master, for, in prospect of her dissolution, 
she said to her daughter, the subject of this me- 
moir, (then about fourteen years of age,) *' If thou 
wilt follow my example, I have no fear but thou 
wilt do well.' 

After the decease of a precious mother, many of 
the domestic cares of a large family devolved upon 
her, and it was observed that she discharged the 
duties which were attached to them, with a degree 
of dignity and propriety which was not anticipated 
from one of her juvenile years : although, possess- 



11 



PHEBE L MERRITT. 93 

ing much vivacity, she sometimes indulged her 
natural disposition in opposition to the dictates of 
Truth, and suffered, the necessary consequence, 
much distress of mind. 

In seasons of retirement she often formed reso- 
lutions to keep within the bounds which Truth had 
pointed out to her, and as often, when mingling 
with giddy associates, yielded to temptation and 
suffered the bitter consequences; passing sleepless 
nights and bedewing her pillow with tears. Thus 
were good resolutions formed and broken, and 
thus did anguish of spirit lead to repentance again 
and again until about the eighteenth year of her 
age, when she was reduced by sickness so low 
that she expected not to see the light of another 
day. While in this state, a full view of her many 
backslidings was presented to her, and remorse and 
anguish seized her mind : she had no other pros- 
pect than that' of speedily entering into another 
state of existence, and she felt assured, that in it, 
a mansion of rest and peace was not prepared for 
her — nothing but darkness was before her — noth- 
ing but remorse and anguish within her : she was 
sensible that the arm of the Lord only could save, 
the power of the Lord only could deliver her. 
Therefore, in brokenness of heart, in contrition of 
spirit, she cried unto Him whose mercy endures for- 



94 MEMORIAL OF 

ever, and who by one of his prophets, made this de- 
claration, *'The heaven is my throne and the earth 
is my footstool, but to this man will I look, even 
to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and 
trembleth at my word." She proved the truth of 
these Scripture testimonies ; for the Most High, 
He who had followed her in long suffering, in- 
clined His ear to her petition and accepted the 
sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. 

At this time she made a solemn covenant to fol- 
low her Lord wherever it might please him to lead 
her; and while yet confined to her bed by sick- 
ness, when her former associates in the paths of 
vanity called to see her, in " the love of her 
espousals*' to the Lord of life and glory, she was 
not ashamed to tell them of the change which had 
been wrought in her views and feelings, and that 
she could not again engage with them in a career 
of folly, if it should even please her Creator to 
restore her to health. In speaking to a young 
Friend not long before her decease, she alluded to 
this time of entering into solemn covenant with 
her gracious Creator, and said, " I never lost sight 
of my covenant, from that time to this, and oh ! I 
have never had cause to repent, that I turned to 
seek and to serve him who is worthy to be served 
and obeyed." It pleased our Heavenly Father to 



I 



PHEBE I. MERRITT, 95 

restore her to health, and she was thereafter much 
more circumspect, in life and conversation, than 
she had previously been. 

Attention to the'* Law of the spirit of life in 
Christ Jesus,'' produced peace of mind and pre- 
pared her to see, that it would be required of her 
to speak to others of the gracious dealings of the 
Most High with her, and publicly to invite them 
to '' taste and see that the Lord is good." But, 
when the requisition was made, a sense of her own 
imperfections and the fear that she might appear to 
be forward, induced her to withstand clear intima- 
tions of duty : distress of mind and severe trials 
followed these deviations from the path of duty, 
and it was only after a full conviction that great 
afflictions awaited her, unless she obeyed, that she 
was induced to yield ; when she bore a short testi- 
mony in a public Meeting, and received the rich 
reward of peace. 

After her ministry was acknowledged by the 
Meeting of which she was a member, she labored 
faithfully in the vineyard, both at home and 
abroad ; not considering any sacrifice top great to 
make, nor any labor too arduous to enter upon, for 
the security of that peace she had obtained with him 
whom she had found to be " The chiefest among 
ten thousand, and altogether lovely." 

In the year 1831 she experienced a severe at- 



96 MEMORIAL OF 

tack of sickness, during whicli she said to a Friend 
who called to see her on the fifth of Ninth-month, 
*' I can inform thee I am ready to take my depar- 
ture, but the Lord's will be done. I look forward 
with feelings prepared to hear the cheering sum- 
mons, behold the bridegroom cometh, go thou 
forth to meet him." On the next day she sent the 
followingmessage to a relative who had been con- 
fined some years to a bed of sickness and of great 
suffering : *'GiTe my most afi'ectionate love and 
say to her, I have partaken a little of what she 
has partaken much. I desire that her patience 
may hold out to the end, and that is all I wish my 
friends to desire for me. I have nothing to do but 
to bear the conflicts of the body : amid all, my 
mind has been kept calm and tranquil, and I have 
no doubt, as help is implored from Him who is the 
controller of all things, that I shall be enabled to 
keep in the patience. I have full confidence that 
I shall be admitted into the mansion where all 
sorrow and sickness will be at an end. I think it 
likely I shall have to pass through great bodily 
suffering; shall have to drink, as it were, of the 
worm-wood and gall, but I cannot expect such a 
poor, frail creature as I have been, can fare better 
than he who was perfect, and who set for us such 
a blessed example." 

To a Friend who was watching with her, she 



F HE BE I. MERRITT. 97 

said, " her heart had been expanded and filled 
with love to the whole human family. That it 
was well for her that she had not put off a prepa- 
ration for death; she could humbly say, for along 
time past it had been her primary concern, when 
the summons should be sounded in her ears, *Give 
an account of thy stewardship,' to be fitted to enter 
into the rest prepared for the righteous from the 
foundation of the world : and, that she had not 
closed her eyes to sleep for some time past until 
she felt an assurance, if she were not permitted to 
see another day, it would be well with her." 

Her sickness at this time brought her so low 
that her friends saw no prospect of her recovery ; 
and she often longed for the period when she 
might pass away and be at rest ; yet clear impres- 
sions were made upon her mind, that further labor 
in the cause of Truth would be required of her, 
and she believed the appointed time for her release 
had not arrived. After her health was restored, 
she travelled much in the ministry, attending most 
or all the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings which 
compose this Yearly Meeting, and some of those 
within the limits of other Yearly Meetings ; she 
visited all the families of Friends in her own apd 
in some other Monthly Meetings, and also the 
families of many who, though not members of our 



98 MRMORIAL OP 

religious society, are in the practice of attending 
our Meetings for worship. 

In tenth-month, 1833, her aflfectionate and at- 
tentive husband, John Merritt, was removed from 
works to rewards. Although the separation must 
have been greatly afflictive, the pain was miti- 
gated to her by his manifest triumph over death; 
which furnished to every beholder one instance of 
the fulfilment of this assurance of the blessed Son 
of God, ** Whosoever liveth and believeth in me 
shall never die." 

About two weeks before her decease, under a 
sense of religious duty, she visited, apparently in a 
social way, some families residing within the 
limits of Hester-street Meeting; in the perfor- 
mance of this duty she manifested much concern 
for the temporal, as well as for the spiritual inte- 
rests of those she visited; being introduced into 
deep and warm sympathy with those who appeared 
to be lonely, and who were indeed, the especial 
objects of her concern. 

She expressed to some Friends a desire that 
these should not be neglected, and added with 
great energy, '■ Oh ! how I want Friends to be en- 
gaged in this work and to take each other by the 
hand ; it does indeed brighten the chain of friend- 
ship ; I have been amply paid for the performance 
of everv dutv of this kind." 



1 



I 




PHEBE I. MEREITT. 99 

She several times said she believed this was the 
last visit of the kind she would make, as she 
thought her work was nearly finished. On one 
occasion she added, " There is a great field of 
labor for those that remain ; may they be faithful 
in it.'' 

With a view to attend the approaching Yearl].^ 
Meeting of Friends to be held in Philadelphia, 
she left home on seventh-day morning, and arrived 
there in time for the afternoon Meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders, which she attended, as also, the 
public Meetings of First-day. 

Although considerably indisposed, she went to 
Meeting on Second- day morning, but shortly after 
the Meeting was gathered it became necessary for 
her to leave it, when she was taken to her lodgings 
at the house of her kind friend, Samuel Haydock, 
There every attention which the most affectionate 
solicitude could prompt was bestowed, but the dis- 
ease soon exhibited very unfavorable symptoms, 
and produced an apprehension in the minds of her 
attendants, that the time of her dissolution was 
near. 

On the Third-day morning, she said, " I am per- 
fectly willing to pass away now without much 
suffering, if it be consistent with the Divine will ; 
but I can say, not my will, but thine be done. I 
have thought since I have been lying here, if I had 



100 MEMORIAL OF 

any thing weighing on my mind — any thing to do 
now — how could I endure it.'* A friend observed 
to her that her work had kept pace with the day : 
she replied, " yes, I believe it has ; I think it has ; 
and Oh ! what a favor it is that I can feel there is 
not a cloud in the way.'' At another time she 
said, ** After doing all that we can do, we are but 
unprofitable servants." 

A message of love from one of her friends being 
delivered to her she sweetly smiled and said, '' It 
is pleasant to be thus remembered — Oh ! this pre- 
cious love," and then quoted this passage, " We 
know that we have passed from death unto life, 
because we love the brethren." 

She said to a friend, '' How often have I had to 
make this quotation for the benefit of others," — 
•' Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose 
mind is stayed on thee : because he trusteth in 
thee." In reply to the suggestion that she then re- 
alized the truth of it, she said *• I do, I do." 

It was remarked to her that her suffering was 
very great, she replied, '* yes, very great, but I 
have endeavored to attain to that state in which I 
can say, thy will not mine be done." 

After remaining quiet a little while she exclaim- 
ed, '* Oh ! the brightness, the brightness, that ex- 
ceeds the brightness of tlie sun ; what can com- 
pare with it ?" 



PHEBE I. MERRITT. 101 

Daring the night she twice repeated, '' Great 
and marvellous are thy works, Lord, God, Al- 
mighty ; just and true are thy ways, thou King of 
Saints." 

While suffering much bodily pain on Fifth-day 
night, she said, *' I ask not mitigation, not mitiga- 
tion — Oh I I ask not mitigation of trial, but in deep 
prostration and humility of soul, I ask thy divine 
power to support me. Let not thy hand spare, 
nor thine eye pity.'' 

Although her sickness was attended with great 
distress, not an expression of impatience escaped 
from her. 

She uttered many weighty expressions which 
cannot now be recollected, but which, with these 
that are remembered, clearly show, that the king 
of terrors was made unto her an angel of light 
and the valley of the shadow of death, as the 
bright mountain tops. 

She departed this life on Seventh-day night, 
the 14th of Fourth-month, 1838, in the seventy- 
third year of her age. 

The public communications of our dear sister 
were solemn, impressive and instructive ; and were 
calculated to turn the attention of hearers to the 
.** manifestation of the spirit " which " is given to 
every man to profit withal ;*' to convince them 
that this ( being one with the Father and with the 



102 MEMORIAL OF 

Son) is the appointed means of salvation, and that 
it stands not in the wisdom and power of man, 
but in the wisdom and power of God. 

But the influence of Gospel love in directing her 
movements was, perhaps, more manifest to such as 
witnessed her daily walk, or were the subjects of 
her more private ministrations : prompted by feel- 
ings akin to those of the good Samaritan, she 
sought the couches of the sick, the seclusion of the 
solitary and the abodes of the disconsolate. In 
these places the oil and the wine often flowed free- 
ly, and evidence was furnished to shoW; although 
the visitor and the visited were blest together, that 
" it is more blessed to give than to receive." 

Although she made no compromise of princi- 
ples, but was an undaunted advocate of the Law 
and the Testimony, yet, in cases of individual de- 
linquency, she seemed never to forget that her 
Divine Master was gracious, merciful and long 
suffering, and, as a necessary consequence, that 
his disciples are bound to labor, in these cases in 
the spirit of meekness and restoring love : re- 
membering always that being tempted, their own 
feet may slip. 

Her company, even in the latter years of her life, 
was much esteemed by the young people of her 
acquaintance, as she was an unimpeachable wit- 
ness for this truth, that religion places the mind 



ZACCHEUS MEAD. 103 

which is subject to its iniiuence equally remote 
from levity and from gloom : and, excepting when 
under preparatory exercise for labor in the church, 
or for advancement in the knowledge of divine 
things, causes it to exhibit, by cheerfuless and an 
active regard to the comfort of others — its own 
peace and gratitude. 

Finally, the many who bear in lively remem- 
brance, either her daily walk or her public labors, 
can often say, '* She being dead, yet speaketh/' 



Memorial of Duaneshtirgli Monthly Meeting con- 
cerning Zaccheus Mead, deceased. 

As the memory of the just is ever precious, we 
think it right to preserve a memorial of our late 
beloved friend, Zaccheus Mead. 

He was born in Little Nine Partners, now town 
of Milan, Dutchess County, State of New York, on 
the 20th of Second-month, 1770. His parents 
were Jehiel and Mary Mead. 

When young he was placed with his uncle, 
Nathaniel Mead, to learn the trade of a blacksmith, 
where being exposed to the iniiuence of the exam- 
ple of those with whom he associated, he united 
with them in evil practices : — and by disregarding 



101 MEMORIAL OP 

tlie admonitions of Divine grace, extended for his 
recovery, he fell into a stale of almost hopeless de- 
pravity. But that power which was still watching 
over him for good, continued to extend its reclaim- 
ing influence. After a time of conflict he was 
enabled to see clearly the beauty and excellency 
of the Truth : his former practices became odious 
in his view: and beirg furnished with strength 
from the Lord, he resolved to forsake the ways of 
vanity and embrace the unchangeable Truth. 

This took place during the latter part of his ap- 
prenticeship : and being faithful to that measure 
of light which convinced him of the error of his 
ways, he requested the care of Friends and was 
received a member. 

After his convincement and while yet an ap- 
prentice, he diligently attended meetings. 

In the year ISOl, he removed with his family 
and settled within the compass of Duanesburgh 
particular Meeting, which being small he was 
concerned for its growth and prosperity, which he 
evinced by his orderly walking and steady attend- 
ance of meetings for worship and discipline. 

Not long after he settled in this Monthly Meet- 
ing, it was thought right to appoint him to the 
station of an Elder, which he filled with meek- 
ness and propriety, until his decease. He was a 



ZACCHEUS MEAD. 105 

man much beloved and esteemed by Friends and 
others that knew him. 

He was particularly engaged for the right ad- 
ministration of the discipline, careful to treat with 
offenders with forbearance and in the spirit of re- 
storing love. 

Strongly opposed to slavery, his compassion was 
extended to that oppressed class of the descendants 
of Africa, held in bondage in this country. He 
was also concerned to abstain from the use of ar- 
ticles produced by their unrequited labor. 

Eminently distinguished for moderation and 
equanimity of mind, he was well qualified to dis- 
charge the various duties of husband and parent. 

Liberality and kindness to the poor and desti- 
tute were conspicuous traits in his character. 

Having been a pillar and bright example in the 
church, his loss is sensibly felt. 

It was evident he had been failing in health for 
some time, and about two weeks before his death, 
he was so much indisposed as to be confined to the 
house, but able to be up a considerable part of the 
time until near his close. 

To a Friend who visited him during his last ill- 
ness he remarked, that it was a great satisfaction 
and stay to his mind at this time, that by a firm 
reliance on Divine direction and preservation, he 
had been enabled in a good measure, to lead a con- 



106 MEMOBIAL CP 

aistent life. This was spoken in great tenderness 
of spirit, and under a grateful sense of the fav« r. 
To another Friend who visited him a few days be- 
fore his departure he expressed nearly as follows : 
" That preserving power which preserved me in 
my early years, has continued with me to the 
present time.'* 

The night previous to his death, though he said 
but little, it was evident to those present that his 
mind was preserved in resignation and peace, and 
that the everlasting arm was underneath for 
his support. 

The next morning, after a period of severe suf- 
fering, he became easy and tranquil, retaining his 
mental faculties after his power of utterance had 
failed. His wife and children coming to him he 
took each by the hand and bade them a silent fare- 
weli, then laying still, like one falling asleep, he 
departed this life on the Sth of Eighth month, 
1837, in the 68th year of his age ; and we enter- 
tain the fullest confidence that he has gone to en- 
joy the reward of the righteous. 

On the 10th, a large number of Friends and 
others, attended his remains to the place of inter- 
ment, in Friends' burial ground. 



DAVID HALSTED. 107 

A Memorial of Creek MontMy Meeting y concern- 
ing our friend y David Halsted, deceased. 

Being deeply affected, under a sense of the loss 
we have sustained, in the removal from works to 
rewards of this our beloved friend, we feel our 
minds engaged to give forth the following testi^ 
mony concerning him 

He was born in West Chester County, in the 
State of New York, the 27th of Sixth-month, 
1777. His parents were David and Noami 
Halsted. 

In the 23d year of his age he joined in marriage 
with Judith, daughter of John and Judith Griffen ; 
and soon after removed and settled within the 
limits of this Monthly Meeting. 

It appears from his own expressions, that he was 
early visited with the secret manifestations of Di- 
vine love, and by yielding obedience thereto, he 
believed it was required of him to publicly pro- 
claim the gospel of peace and salvation. His first 
appearance in the ministry was about the 28th year 
of his age ; and abiding in humility, and watchful 
dependence, he experienced a growth in his gift ; 
and became an early example in plainness of 
habit and deportment, consistent with our religious 
profession. He was an affectionate husband and 
tender father, careful in the education of his chil- 



108 MEMORIAL OK 

dren, and appeared above all things desirous to see 
them walking in the truth. His heart and house 
were always open to receive his friends ; and he 
often expressed his concern that Friends should 
keep in simplicity and moderation; being himself 
an example in those respects. 

His conversation was often instructive and edi- 
fying : although it was sometimes his lot to feel 
much depression of spirit, and to pass through 
many deep provings and trials ; yet we believe he 
had often to witness the truth of the declaration, 
• ' Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be 
comforted.*' He was a lover of retirement, de- 
lighted in reading the Scriptures of truth, and en- 
couraged others to read them imderstandingly ; in 
which practice he continued to the end of his days, 
often quoting the passage ** Seek first the kingdom 
of Heaven and the righteousness thereof, and all 
things necessary shall be added." Being a diligent 
attender of Meetings, he labored to encourage his 
family and others to a strict observance of this 
important duty. He was zealous for the support 
of our Christian discipline, and maintenance of the 
good order of society, and desired Friends might 
dwell deep, and prosper in the truth. The interest 
he expressed for the welfare of the young was very 
great; earnestly inviting them, while in the morn- 
ing of their days, to yield in obedience to the die- 



DAVID HALSTED. 109 

tates of the holy spirit, assuring them that noth- 
ing but a strict attention thereto could give them 
comfort in life, or hope and confidence in the hour 
of death. 

Although he was zealous for the promotion of 
the principles embraced by Friends, his mind was 
clothed with charity towards all other religious 
professions, fully believing that God is no respecter 
of persons, but that in every nation, he that feareth 
him and worketh righteousness will be accepted of 
him. His concern in the ministry did not lead him 
much from home. He made some visits to adja- 
cent Meetings, and was frequently invited to attend 
funerals amongst those not of our society ; his min- 
istry being lively and edifying, many can bear wit- 
ness to the counsel and advice received. 

For several years prior to his death, he was af- 
flicted with lameness, accompanied with almost 
continued bodily pain; but when able to attend 
Meetings, he was frequently strengthened to rise 
superior to the pressure of disease, and in the flow- 
ings of gospel love, to bear testimony to the effa- 
cacy of the divine principle of light and grace, 
and to invite others to an unreserved submission 
and obedience thereto, that they might experience 
for themselves that the Lord is good. 

In the summer of 1839, he was attacked with 
severe illness, which confined him at home for sev- 



110 MEMORIAL OV 

eral weeks, which affliction he bore with Christian 
patience, often expressing, that he had been led to 
look over his life, and saw nothing in his way ; but, 
that all was peace and quietness. 

The last time that he was permitted to meet 
with his friends, being on the fourth day of the 
week, he addressed them in a feeling manner; and 
said, it appeared to him his stay in mutability would 
be short ; advising them to be faithful in the dis- 
charge of their duties, and to show forth by their 
daily walking that they were the followers of the 
meek and lowly Jesus ; and desired that Friends 
would not suffer themselves to be so engaged with 
the cumbering things of this world, as to neglect 
the assembling themselves together, especially on 
the middle of the week, but be encouraged to give 
all diligence, to make their calling and election 
sure ; that our Society might once more arise and 
shine, as in former days. 

On the 16th of Twelfth-month, 1839, he was 
taken ill, though the physician who attended him, 
said there was nothing alarming; yet he seemed 
sensible that his time was short ; and conversing 
with a friend who came to visit him a few days 
before his departure, he said that he had been a 
long time wanting to make a visit among Friends at 
Nine Partners ; and said, I am glad we have been ; 
(having an allusion to himself and wife,) adding, I 



DAVID HALSTED 111 

am confirmed that I have not changed ; I am the 
same that ever I was. The longer I live the more 
confirmed I am, that a straight forward course is 
the best : let others do as they may, I will do that 
which I believe my Heavenly Father calls me to 
do, for it will be but a little longer. 

On the 26th of the month, a near relation taking 
leave of him, he bade her an affectionate farewell, 
and said, "I shall never see thee again,*' adding 
*' my belief is fixed on the immutable basis of truth.'* 
About four o'clock in the afternoon of the 27th, 
some Friends taking leave of him, he said, *'the 
sting of death is taken away ; I feel nothing but 
love and good will towards every body the world 
over," and the sweet composure of his mind seem- 
ed to indicate that all was well. 

In the evening he was seized with an apoplec- 
tic fit, and lay speechless until the evening of the 
29th, when he quietly breathed his last, aged 62 
years, a minister 34 — and we trust he is now a 
partaker of those joys we have so often heard 
portrayed by him, as being in store for all those 
who are concerned to dwell in that love, which is 
the badge of true disciplesbip,. 



]12 MKMORIAL OF 

Mejnorial of the Monthly Meeting of New York, 
concerning our deceased friend, Eliza brth H. 
Walker. 

Believing that "to commemorate the lives of the 
righteous is a tribute due to their memory, and 
may prove an incentive to the living to emulate 
their virtues," we are concerned to preserve some 
account of the life aud religious labors of this 
valuable Friend. 

She was born at Sheffield, in England, on the 
26th of Eighth-month, 1761. Her parents, Wm. 
and Mary Hoyland, were members of our religious 
Society. Her father died when she was about five 
years of age, but she appears to have been care, 
fully educated by a concerned mother. About the 
year 1789 she removed to Birmingham, and con- 
ducted a boarding and day-school for girls, in con- 
nection with a female Friend. It was during her 
residence here that she first appeared in the minis- 
try, but no information can now be obtained rela- 
tive to the exercises of her mind at this period, or 
the circumstances which attended her early dedi- 
cation to the service of her Divine Master, but 
there is reason to believe that her public commu- 
nications, before leaving England, were acceptable 
to her Friends. In the autumn of 1798 she came 



ELIZABETH H. WALKER. 113 

to the United States, and for a time, resided in the 
city of New York, where she was engaged in teach- 
ing school. In the First-month 1§02, she married 
our late esteemed friend Thomas Walker, and soon 
after, removed with her husband to West Farms, 
within the limits of West Chester Preparative 
Meeting, which was then attached to the Monthly 
Meeting of Purchase. 

She was acknowledged a minister in Ninth-mo. 
1807, being then in the 47th year of her age. By 
faithful obedience, she was made eminently useful 
in promoting the cause of truth and righteousness 
in her day. In Sixth-month 1808, she obtained a 
minute from Purchase Monthly Meeting to per- 
form a religious visit to Stanford and Easton 
Quarterly Meetings, and to appoint some Meet- 
ings within the limits of Nine Partners Quarterly 
Meeting. In this visit she was accompanied by 
Rebecca Titus, a highly esteemed Friend and 
Elder of Purchase Monthly Meeeting. 

She visited Friends and others within the com- 
pass of Canada Half-year's Meeting, and the 
Quarterly Meetings of Ferrisburgh, Easton and 
Nine Partners, in 1809, and from that time she 
was diligently engaged in a succession of similar 
services till near the close of her life. In the 
winter of 1810-11 she made a second visit to 

Canada and other places North; and again, in 
8 



Ill MEMORIAL OF 

1812. In 1816 she travelled extensively in the 
Western and Southern States. In 1817, after at- 
tending Baltimore Yearly Meeting, she travelled 
through Virginia and North Carolina, having a 
Meeting in the Capitol, at Washington, on her re- 
turn. A visit in the Eastern States was perform- 
ed in 1819 ; passing into Maine, and returning by 
way of Quebec and Montreal, and in 1822, as one 
of the Yearly Meeting's Committee on Indian 
concerns, she paid a visit to the Indian tribes, under 
the care of Friends, in the Western part of this 
State. In the Sixth-month 1823, she embarked 
for England, under a concern which had attended 
her mind for some years, to visit, in gospel love, 
Friends and others in Great Britain and Ireland, 
and some places on the Continent of Europe. A 
brief account of this visit, written by herself, is 
as follows : — *' Perhaps I was never more sensible 
of a state of strippedness and desertion than on my 
arrival in Liverpool, but after proceeding, I believ- 
ed that dispensation to have been permitted that 
I might not trust to any previous exercise relative 
to the concern. Meetings of Friends were taken 
on the way to the Annual Meeting at Ackworth 
School. After attending the Two-months Meet- 
ing at Glasgow, in Scotland, we accompanied 
Friends to the Half-year's Meeting at Aberdeen, 
which continues to be small ; yet the little flock 



ELIZABETH H. WALKER. 115 

were comforted together. From this place, we 
travelled North through Scotland, having Meet- 
ings in many of the principal towns ; way being 
wonderfully made by the Magistrates, and by the 
people. The Orkney Islands were also visited, 
where, as in Scotland, the religious labors of the 
late John Pemberton, and the more recent visits 
of other Friends were spoken of, under such im- 
pressions as evinced that their gospel labors had 
not been in vain. 

A short time was spent with the few members 
of our Society who reside and hold Meetings in 
Russia. The Friends who had visited that Em- 
pire were spoken of with great respect, but no way 
appeared to open for the further spreading of our 
religious principles; yet the visit was to the peace 
of my own mind. 

A visit was made in some parts of Germany, but 
more particularly at Minden and Piermont, where 
the Members of the Two-months Meeting chiefly 
reside. The Meetings were attended by many of 
other persuasions, and from the solemnity which 
prevailed, it was believed they were not all stran- 
gers to spiritual worship. Wealso met with many 
pious persons in Switzerland and France, some of 
whom are in the practice of holding silent Meet- 
ings. If these are faithful, they may expect to 
meet with persecutions as our predecessors did, 



116 MEMORIAL OF 

but by submitting to the necessary baptisno, they 
will be brought more out of the mixture, to their 
own unspeakable peace. 

At Congenies, in the south of France, consider- 
able time was spent in visiting the meetings and 
families of all who profess with Friends in those 
parts. — Here, as also in Germany, the names of 
former visitors were frequently adverted to, with 
gratitude to the Father of Mercies. 

The families of Friends on the Island of Guern 
sey were also visited, and two public Meetings 
held much to the relief of my own mind. 

In passing through England, Friends and others, 
in various parts of 35 of the counties were visited ; 
as also, public prisons, and two Yearly Meetings 
were attended, but in these, I had very little vo- 
cal service, being under an impression that in 
order to transact the concerns of society to the 
honor of the Great Head of the Church, and the 
edification one of another, we require a portion of 
that power in which the discipline was establish- 
ed ; and which is more frequently raised into do- 
minion by deep indwelling of spirit than by the 
utterance of many words. 

In taking a retrospective view of the various 
exercises attendant on the performance of the late 
visit, I am bound in deep abasement of spirit to 
acknowledge that although we are weak,[yet,J" in 



ELIZABETH H, WALKER. 117 

the Lord Jehovah there is everlasting strength/' 
rewarding with peace, for every act of obedience, 
and sustaining all those who put their trust in 
Him, who is ^'glorious in holiness ; fearful in prais- 
es.'^ 

Elizabeth did not visit Ireland, and returned 
home in the Tenth-month 1825, having been ab- 
sent about two years and four months. The fol- 
lowing extracts from certificates received by her 
during her visit on the continent, are deemed wor- 
thy of preservation. 

** From Friends of Edinghausen, near Minden, 
in Westphalia, ninth of Second-month 1824.^' 

*< The Divine influence was permitted to flow 
through her upon the minds of all classes in such 
a degree that we hope and believe the Divine seed 
has obtained entrance into many hearts. She 
has spared neither endeavors nor time in her la- 
bors amongst us, visiting families from house to 
house, and manifesting her gospel love by visiting 
also, those of other professions.'* 

**From the Two-months Meeting of Piermont 
and Minden, fifth of Ninth-month 1824.'' 

" We feel it our duty to certify hereby, that her 
gospel labors amongst us, have tended much to 
edification, strength and encouragement. We have 
also, reason to believe that her ministerial servi- 
ces among those not of our religious society, have 



118 MEMORIAL OF 

been well received ; and attended with a good ef- 
fect. We feel thankful for this manifestation of 
the merciful condescending regard of Our Heaven- 
ly Father and Giver of every good gift/' 

Her ministry appears to have been powerful and 
impressive ; reaching the witness for Truth in the 
mijids of her hearers. One of her companions in 
England, in writing to a friend, says, '' I have 
never heard the principles of the gospel so clear- 
ly elucidated, or so impressively conveyed/' 
Another who travelled with her in this country, 
has remarked, in relation to her ministry, that 
from Meeting to Meeting throughout an exten- 
sive field of labor, there was a freshness attending 
her communications which might be compared to 
the manna, that was not kept from morning to 
morning, but newly gathered for the sustenance, 
of the day. In the course of her religious visits 
she had much service among those not of our so- 
ciety, and found, among them, great openness to 
receive her ministry. At an appointed Meeting 
in one of our Southern cities, she was led to ad- 
dress on the subject of slavery, a large audience 
of individuals immediately concerned in the per- 
petuation of this great evil. Testimony was fur- 
nished, many years after, that the occasion was 
not forgotten, and that her ministry was '' in the 



ELIZABETH H. WALKER. 119 

demonstration of the Spirit and of Power," tender- 
ing many of the audience, even to tears. 

She highly valued the Scriptures of Truth, and 
was remarkable for the frequent application of 
their contents in her public testimonies. In one 
of her letters, she says, " I always did, and con- 
tinue to believe, with George Fox, * that the Scrip- 
tures are the words, proceeding from the Word of 
God, and understood by the spirit, being given 
forth by it.' " I also believe with Barclay, '' They 
are the most excellent of all writings." Now for 
the help of such as, from their not understanding 
them, cannot believe in the truths they contain, I 
wish they could be referred to Geo. Fox's advice 
to '' seek for the help of the Spirit." "• This is the 
great illuminator of the mind of man." 

Being of a social disposition, possessing a strong 
and cultivated mind, with a benevolent and sym- 
pathizing heart, her society was much valued by 
her friends ; and having learned in the school of 
experience, she was qualified to administer '^ a 
word in season" to those under exercise and dis- 
couragement. The following extract from a letter 
written by her to one of this description, is thought 
worthy of preservation. — ** Although I know thee 
not personally, yet I am made thankful that He 
who knows the aspirations of all hearts has gra- 
ciously condescended to visit thy state, by break- 



120 MEMORIAL OF 

ing u[) the fallow ground, and preparing it for the 
good seed. But even aft-r our eyes have been 
anointed, and we have received a little sight, oh, 
how busy the old adversary is in trying to agitate 
the creature ; sometimes by endeavoring to lead us 
before our guide ; then coming in as an accuser 
of the brethren ; thus drawing us from a deep in- 
dwelling with the pure openings of Truth, and then 
casting down in despair. But this is the work of 
the enemy, and he is no where more busy than in 
visited minds. How analogous is the outward 
creation to our Spiritual growth. When a tree is 
planted, if the wind shakes it about, and keeps it 
from taking root, this prevents it from becoming 
fruitful. So with us ; for it is only as we keep the 
word of the Lord's patience, that we shall be pre- 
served in the hour of temptation. Therefore in 
patient resignation to the Divine will, possess thou, 
thy soul ; yielding up that unto the fire, which is 
for the fire, and to the hammer, which is for the 
hammer. Be not afraid of suflFering; for Zion 
must be redeemed with judgment, and all her con- 
verts with righteousness." 

The last public communication of this beloved 
Friend, which was delivered at her own Meeting, 
at West Chester, was of a remarkably solemn and 
prophetic nature. She expressed the belief that the 
day's work of some present, was drawing rapidly 



STEPHEN TREADWELL. 121 

to a close, and that the solemn warning she was 
commissioned to proclaim, might be applicable to 
none more than to herself. In a few days after, an 
individual, who was then present, was suddenly 
removed by death, and after attending this funeral, 
she was herself, seized with the disorder which 
speedily terminated her life, on the eighth of the 
Eighth-month 1827, in the 66th year of her age. 

At a time when those around her death-bed ex- 
hibited evidence of alarm at her situation, she said, 
''- There is no cause for alarm ; All is peace,'' thus 
evincing that she had realized, in her own experi- 
ence, the truth of the declaration, that " the work 
of righteousness is peace, and the effect thereof, 
quietness and assurance forever." 



Testimony of' Rensselaerville Monthly Meeting 
concerning our late deceased friend, Stephen 
Treadwell. 

In remembrance of the valuable labors and ser- 
vices of this our beloved friend, it is with us to give 
the following testimony concerning him. 

He was born on Long Island, First-month 24th 
1791, and was educated by his parents James and 
Eachel Treadwell, agreebly to the profession of 



122 MEMORIAL OF 

our Society; although as he grew in years he de- 
parted from the counsel of his parents : yet those 
early admonitions accompanied as they frequently 
were by the parental tear, were as he often ex- 
pressed it, as " bread cast upon the waters found 
after many days :" he was remarkable from his 
childhood for his more than usual vivacity of dis- 
position, by the prevalence of which he was drawn 
into levity and mirth. 

But though thus prone to vanity and lightness, 
the precepts of education and the often powerful 
workings of Divine Grace upon his heart, were 
not lost upon him ; for he was not only restrained 
from all gross evils, but his letters to his friends at 
the time of his greatest alienation, gave evidence 
that his heart was not only susceptible of the finer 
feelings, but also of strong religious impressions. 

He received but a moderate share of school 
learning, and was early placed as a clerk in a 
store, where his attention, assiduity and skill, 
gained him the entire approbation and confidence 
of his employer. 

In the 23rd year of his age he was married to 
Judith Russel of this place, and settled at Wash- 
ington, Dutchess County ; he continued about a 
year after this to slight the reproofs of instruction 
which had followed him all his life ; when no long- 
er consultin^^ with flesh and blood, he gave up to 



i 



STEPHEN TREADWELL. 123 

the heavenly vision and became an exemplary 
member in Society. 

He was at this time engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness with every promise of wealth before him ; 
with which however he soon became uneasy, par- 
ticularly with dealing in the products of Slave 
labor, as thereby he apprehended he strengthened 
the hand of the oppressor ; yielding to his con- 
viction, he consulted not with circumstances nor 
reasoned with consequences, but left the business 
for which he was well qualified, and settled upon 
a small farm in the compass of this Monthly Meet" 
ing : though he had little knowledge of agricul- 
ture. Here his circumspect life and consistent de- 
meanor soon gained the esteem and confidence of 
his friends and he was extensively employed in the 
affairs of the church. 

He first appeared in the Ministry about the 28th 
year of his age. Though for some time his com- 
munications were not extensive, yet being careful 
to move in the manifestations of Divine light, his 
gift was enlarged, and he became an eminent Min- 
ister of the Gospel. By accounts which he preserv- 
ed of his several journies, it appears that he trav- 
elled near ten thousand miles, principally with his 
own conveyance, and always at his own expense : 
his labors were confined to the limits of his own 
Yearly Meeting and the two adjoining ones of 



124 MEMORIAL OF 

Philadelphia and Genesee : where it appears by the 
testimonials of his friends, in the return minutes 
brought by him, that his gospel labors were very 
acceptable. His last religious visit was to Nine 
Partners and Stanford Quarterly Meetings, and 
Meetings constituting them, and to the families of 
Friends and others in the compass of Nine Part- 
ners Monthly Meeting. Of this visit we have the 
most satisfactory accounts as being favored beyond 
any thing that preceded it. 

About a year before his death he had a fit, that 
entirely deprived him of consciousness for a short 
time, but from which he soon recovered, and was 
able to attend Meeting next day, and was much 
favored in a large and instructing testimony to the 
tendering of many minds present. 

He continued to enjoy uninterrupted health from 
this time to the day of his death, which took place 
the Eighth-month r2th, 1S43, having attended 
Stanford Quarterly Meeting, in which he had some 
solemn and impressive service. After this Meet- 
ing he proceeded homeward, leaving the house of 
his kind friend William Bedell, on the morning of 
his death, in apparent health. He had not pro- 
ceeded far when he was taken with a severe pain 
in the head; he stopped at a private house 14 
miles from his home, where by the kindness of the 
friend in company, medical aid was called and 



STEPHEN TREADWELL. 125 

every assistance rendered that the nature of the 
case would admit ; but without effect — the disease 
proving to be apoplectic, he lived but four hours 
when his spirit took its flight, we doubt not to the 
realms of blessedness there to join the spirits of 
just men made perfect. 

His funeral was attended by a numerous con- 
course of Friends and neighbors from the meet- 
ing-house where he had been a diligent attender 
for nearly thirty years. 

Thus has it pleased the Most High in his inscru- 
table wisdom, to call from works to rewards this 
our dear Friend in the midst of his usefulness, 
when we were looking forward for much fruit from 
his continued labors. 

He was a kind and affectionate husband, an in- 
dulgent parent, and obliging neighbor. Consonant 
with the spirit of the gospel, his sympathetic feel- 
ings were not confined to clime or color, but ex- 
tended to the whole human family ; the oppressed 
Africans of our land early claimed his attention, 
and he was concerned largely to plead their cause ; 
it may be truly said of him that the cause which 
he knew not he sought out ; and his example ac- 
corded with his precept, for he was scrupulously 
careful that nothing about his person or table should 
be the product of slave labor, and was often con- 
cerned to encourage others to abstain from such 



126 MEMORIAL OF 

fruits of oppression. He was also (particularly in 
the latter years of his life) conscientiously careful 
that no part of the fruit of his fields or orchard 
should be converted into intoxicating drinks ; thus 
bearing a faithful testimony against intemperance 
in its first and most delusive forms. Whilst we 
are sensible of the loss we have sustained in the 
removal of our beloved friend, we desire to acqui- 
esce in the dispensation of him whose ways are in- 
scrutable and whose judgments are past find- 
ing out. 

And it is our fervent solicitude that the quicken- 
ing effect produced upon many minds by his death, 
may excite them to a more diligent and faithful 
performance of their several duties : that when 
the days of their probation shall be ended, they 
also may inherit the blessing. 



Testimony of 'Rensselaer ville Monthly Meeting, 
concerning our late beloved Friend, Nathan 
Spencer. 

He was bom at East Greenwich, Rhode Island, 
in the year 1761. His parents, William and Mar- 
garet Spencer, were members of our Society, and 
educated him according to the profession made by 
Friends. He was of a religious turn from his 



I 



NATHAN SPENCER. 127 

youth, and remarked for his sobriety and orderly 
conduct. He witnessed a severe trial in the early 
loss of his first wife, after which, he married our 
late beloved friend, Ruth Spencer, with whom he 
removed about the year 1798 to this place. Being 
of a sound and discriminating mind, he was em- 
inently useful in the affairs of the Church. He 
was early appointed nn Elder, which station he fill- 
ed for nearly fifty years with propriety and useful- 
ness. He was remarkable for his diligence in 
attending religious meetings, and his deportment 
in them was solemn and weighty. His wife being 
much abroad on truth's service, he gave up a large 
share of his time to accompany her, though their 
circumstances were limited and to the eye of hu- 
man prudence it would seem impracticable for him 
to be so much from his business ; but he trusted 
in that Power that blessed the oil and meal for- 
merly that it failed not ; and he was not disap- 
pointed ; being blessed with a comfortable compe- 
tency sufficient to supply all their needful wants, 
so that they were chargeable to none. He was 
industrious and frugal in his habits and sparing in 
his diet, and was an example of meekness and up- 
rightness worthy of imitation ; though his health 
had been feeble for many years, yet he got to meet- 
ings till a few days before his death. Whilst 
watching with anxious care the death bed of his 



12S MEMORIAL OP 

beloved companion, he sank down exhausted, and 
was helped upon a bed, where he remained in a 
sweet resigned frame of mind about twenty-four 
hours, when he breathed his last aged eighty-three 
years. His wife survived him but about forty-eight 
hours. Thus may it be truly said of this aged 
pair, they were united in their lives and in their 
deaths they were not divided. ' Their remains were 
taken to the meeting-house where they had long 
been diligent attenders, and after a large and so- 
lemn meeting, were both laid in one grave. 



Testimony of RensselacrviUe Montlihj Meeting con- 
cerning our late beloved Friend j litTH Spe.vcer. 

She was born near Providence, Rhode Island, 
in the yedr 1769. Her parents, Daniel and Mary 
Anthony, were worthy members of the Society 
of Friends, from whom she received a guarded 
education. 

Though her early life was circumspect and ex- 
emplary, yet it does not appear that she was under 
much religious exercise until after her marriage 
with our late beloved friend, Nathan Spencer, 
which took place about the twenty-fourth year of 
her age ; soon after which, they removed and set- 
tled within the limits of this Monthly Meeting, 



J 



EUTM SPENCER. 



129 



then a branch of Nine Partners' Quarter. It was 
here that her religions exercises appear to have 
commenced, and were carried forward through a 
most close and piercing conflict, to a final sur- 
render and subjugation of her own will to His, who 
she believed, had called her to more dedication and 
devotedness to the cause of truth and universal 
righteousness in the earth ; this conflict was not 
for days or months, but for years, when according to 
her own account ^' her flesh wasted and she eat her 
bread in bitterness of soul, and mingled her tears 
with her drink ;'* but she says, **when the Great 
Administrator of this fiery baptism saw it was 
enough, He stayed his hand and lifted up my head 
in hope, and was pleased to assure me that all my 
former sins were forgiven, and the beauties of the 
new creation were opened upon my mind." It was 
during these years of close inward conflict, that she 
apprehended herself called to the work of the min- 
istry ; but being naturally diffident of her own 
attainments, and fearing lest the searching lan- 
guage might be applied to her, '' Who hath requir- 
ed this at thy hand, to tread my courts," it was 
long ere she gave up to the Heavenly requisition. 
In giving an account of the exercises through 
which she passed, while under the preparing hand 
for this work, she was frequently heard to remark, 
that it; was seven years after she so far yielded to 



t 



130 MEMORIAL OF 

this impression of duty, as to place her hand upon 
the seat before her to help herself upon her feet, 
before she actually appeared in that solemn ser- 
vice ; which was about the fortieth year of her age. 
Her ministry was sound and edifying, and having 
thus long been under the preparing hand, she grew 
rapidly in her gift ; and in the exercise thereof she 
travelled extensively in this and most of the Yearly 
Meetings on the continent. She twice visited New 
England, attending nearly all the meetings of 
Friends, and many by appointment, among others. 
She made several pretty general visits to the meet^ 
ings constituting Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and 
three times attended the sittings of that Meeting. 
She attended Genesee Yearly Meeting in 1836 ; 
Baltimore in 1839; Genesee again in 1840. She 
was also extensively engaged at different times in 
visiting families, for which service she was emi- 
nently qualified ; often pointing out the states of 
those she visited, in a remarkable manner. 

Having passed through much inward conflict 
she was prepared to enter into the feelings and 
share in sympathy, with the tribulated traveller, 
being often led in the spirit of the true Samaritan 
to pour the oil and the wine into the wounded 
bosom. For a number of the last years of her life 
she was afflicted with an asthmatic affection, but 
was generally able to get to meetings, which for 



RUTH SPENCER. 



131 



more than half a century, she attended with exem- 
plary diligence. She was truly a nursing mother 
in Israel, and was eminently serviceable to those 
who were young in the ministry, being pertinent 
in counsel, admonition, or reproof, as the case 
might require. Her last service abroad was on the 
Yearly Meeting's Committee. In the summer and 
autumn before her death, she visited in that capa- 
city, the Quarterly Meetings of Easton an Ferris - 
burg and some of the meetings constituting them; 
also several of the Monthly Meetings of Nine 
Partners and Stanford, which like all her former 
labors, were acceptable to the visited. Her last 
sickness was short but severe ; during which she 
appeared to have little more to do, than to bear the 
pains of the body. Being much of the time op- 
pressed for breath, it rendered articulation diffi- 
cult ; but having been engaged to do her day's 
work in the day time, we believe she was favored 
to witness a peaceful close, and we doubt not that 
her purified spirit has joined the just of all gen- 
erations, in ascribing praises to the Lord God and 
the Lamb. 



132 MEMORIAL OF 



Testimony of Easton Monthly Meeting concerning 
Sarah Wilbur, deceased. 

She was born in the State of Rhode Island on 
the twenty-first of Eighth-month, 1777. Her pa- 
rents, Nicholas and Sarah Bragg, were members 
of the Society of Friends, who were concerned 
to adhere to the ancient admonition, ** train up a 
child in the way he should go and when he is old 
he will not depart from it." And there is reason 
to believe their labors were not in vain, for the 
subject of this memoir was induced in early life, to 
seek an inheritance more substantial than the 
allurements of a vain world could afford. And in 
accordance with the divine promise, " they that 
seek me early shall find me," she found Him to be 
a friend directing in safety through all the conflicts 
of this probationary scene. 

About the eleventh year of her age, her parents 
removed and settled in the State of New York, 
within the limits of Easton Monthly Meeting, of 
which she was a member during the remainder of 
her life. They were in low circumstances and had 
to encounter the difficulties, of settling in a com- 
paratively new country. Thus freed from the con- 
taminatinginfluences of luxury and idleness, which 
impair the constitutions and corrupt the hearts of 



SARAH WILBUR. 



133 



SO many, she was prepared for a life of usefulness ; 
and was led to love and prize simplicity, disre- 
garding the shame of appearing singular by dif- 
fering in dress and demeanor from the gay and 
thoughtless. 

In the year 1803 she was united in marriage 
with John Wilbur, to whom she was a kind and 
sympathizing companion . In the succeeding years 
of her life, much of her attention was devoted to 
the care of a numerous offspring, towards whom she 
performed, with untiring assiduity, the important 
duties of a mother ; and while she labored to ad- 
minister to their temporal wants, it was her para- 
mount engagement, both by precept and example, 
to draw the attention of tht^ir minds to the all im- 
portant subject of the soul's salvation. Nor were 
her ardent desires on these accounts limited to her 
own family. She often expressed a deep interest 
in the welfare of others, particularly of the young, 
to whom, when occasion offered, she freely imparted 
advice and admonition ; and though sometimes it 
was in a very close and plain manner, it evidently 
proceeded from an ardent and affectionate solicitude 
for their best interest. Thus was she clothed with 
that charity, which thinketh no evil, giving no just 
occasion of offence to any, it being the concern 
of her mind that true judgment might be laid to 



134 MEMORIAL OF 

the line and righteousness to the plumb-line. The 
condition of the poor came particularly under her 
notice. She was careful to look after them, and 
they not only received from her bountiful hand 
those comforts which they needed, but were fur- 
nished with employment, that thereby, she might 
encourage them to be industrious, being herself an 
example of industry. 

She was diligent in the attendance of our reli- 
gious meetings, and careful so to manage her tem- 
poral concerns, as not to hinder her family from 
attending them, and was often engaged to admon- 
ish those who neglected this important duty. She 
encouraged by example and precept, the more fre- 
quent perusal of the Scriptures of Truth, often 
expressing a fear, that light and vain publications 
too much took the place of this volume, to the 
reading of which and other religious books, most of 
her leisure moments were devoted. She was truly 
a mother in Israel, and we hope that her example 
may live with us and that her precepts may not be 
forgotten, but like bread cast upon the water, may 
be found after many days. She was often led to 
express her sorrow on account of the departure 
from that plainness and simplicity to which our 
predecessors were called to bear testimony, and in 
these particulars, has left us an example worthy of 



f 



I 



SARAH WILBUR. 135 

imitation. She was beloved by all, on account of 
her innocent life and affectionate treatment of all 
classes, without distinction. 

Her last illness, with which she was seized on 
the fifteenth of Tenth-month, 1838, was short, but 
so severe and painful, as to render her unable to 
hold much conversation, during the greater part of 
the time. To a young friend who watched with 
her during this illness, she said, " The necessity of 
being always prepared for death looks now to be of 
very great importance. I plainly see, that this is 
my death-bed; my work is done — I have but a few 
days more to stay here. I have had to reflect upon 
the past — I see that I have made many misses but 
I feel that they are all forgiven. I felt that I ought 
to go and visit a neighbor, he and his wife are both 
so feeble and confined at home ; but I neglected it 
till the night before I was taken sick, and then 
resolved, that in the morning it should be my first 
business, to visit them and try to comfort and cheer 
them up. Now thou canst see, I had put it off too 
long, and I fear we are all apt to put things off too 
long ; to neglect to render the assistance that is due 
from us to others, turning aside from the house of 
sorrow and the couch of woe. I want thee always 
to remember the sick and the afflicted; be willing 
to do all in thy power to comfort them and thou 
wilt be rewarded." 



136 Ml^MOKIAL OF 

During the latter part of her illness, the violence 
of the disorder nearly deprived her of the power 
of speech and hearing, but she appeared in a peace- 
ful and resigned state of mind, continually grow- 
ing weaker till the thirty-first of Tenth-month 
1838, when she quietly breathed her last, aged 
sixty-one years and two months. And while we 
sensibly feel her loss, we are comforted in believ- 
ing that she has entered into a mansion prepared 
for her, and to the enjoyment of her Heavenly 
Father's rest. 



A Testimony of Purchase Monthly Meeting of 
Friena u concerning our beloved friend Samuel 
Barnes, deceased. 

He was born at Purchase, ia the town of Harri- 
son, county of West Chester. His parents Ste- 
phen and Hannah Barnes, were members of the 
religious Society of Friends, and endeavored to 
bring up their children consistent therewith. In 
his early life he manifested a disposition for light- 
ness, but by attending to the reproofs of Divine 
instruction on his own mind, he learned obedience 
by the things which he suffered ; and by giving 
up to the operation of the Spirit of Christ, through 



SAMUEL BARNES. 137 

its sanctifying pov/er, he experienced the consola- 
tions of his Heavenly Father's love. 

Having been thus humbled under the operation 
of the power of truth, he soon became qualified for 
usefulness in the Churcb of Christ. He appeared 
in public testimony about the 20th year of his age, 
and being of strong mind, improved and enlarged 
by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, he be- 
came an able Minister of the Gospelof Christ, and 
qualified for the promotion of the cause of truth 
and righteousness; being careful that his example 
should correspond with the precepts he delivered. 
He was exemplary in waiting to experience a re- 
newed qualification for service, before he attempted 
to move in the ministry ; well knowing that with- 
out a fresh anointing, any endeavor on his part 
must prove ineffectual, and tend to centre in life- 
less formality; against which he bore a faithful 
testimony. About the 25th year of his age, he was 
engaged in visiting the meetings constituting West- 
bury Quarterjin company with Alexander Young ; 
and many times afterwards, performed like servi- 
ces to the peace of his own mind, and the satisfac- 
tion of his friends. Although he did not travel 
extensively in the ministry, yet when he believed 
it required of him to leave his family, he cheer- 
fully submitted thereto. ' 



138 me:..orial of 

He was diligent in the attendance of religious 
Meetings, and careful to encourage others in this 
important duty. We believe many have been com- 
forted and edified while sitting under his labors of 
love, he manifesting an earnest desire that all 
should come to a knowledge of the Truth and be 
saved. 

In the 26th year of his age he was united in 
marriage with Letitia Haviland, with whom he 
lived 32 years in the bonds of mutual affection, 
being a kind husband, an affectionate father, and 
true friend to those under affliction. 

He was taken ill the 16th of Second-month, with 
a fever, which continued about four weeks, during 
which time he passed through much bodily suffer- 
ing ; he was not able to converse much, but gave 
evidence that his mind was staid on that Divine 
arm of Power that had been with him, and enabled 
him to become eminently useful, in his day and 
generation : expressing that he felt no interest in 
the things of time ; and on being asked near his 
close, whether he saw any thing in his way, he 
answered with emphasis, *' no, nothing,'' adding, 
*'the Lord is good, he has always been good." 
After which he gradually declined, until the even- 
ing of the 14th of Third-month 1846, when his 
spirit took its flight ; and we doubt not has entered 



SAMUEL BARNES. 139 

the mansions of eternal felicity, where the wicked 
cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. 
Aged 57 years and six months. 

Notwitstanding we feel, that the church has 
sustained a great loss, in the removal of this our 
beloved friend, in the midst of his usefulness, yet 
we believe our loss to be his gain. 

May we be stimulated to greater faithfulness, in 
order that our day's work may keep pace with the 
day, that when time shall terminate and be no 
more with us, we m.ay be favored to join the spirits, 
already made perfect, in the realms of bliss. 



The following additional testimony respecting our 
beloved friend Samuel Barnes, was added by 
Fur chase Quarterly Meeting. 

He was much esteemed by Friends and others 
for his exemplary life and conversation, and being 
sound in judgment, he was eminently qualified for 
transacting the aflfairs of the church, and feelingly 
concerned for the support of comely order in all 
our Meetings. He was endowed with an accept- 
able gift in the Ministry, in the exercise of which 
his language was plain and simple, and he fre- 
quently communicated instructive and edifying 
counsel from some of the most common occurren- 



140 MEMORIAL OF 

ces. He was concerned to bearu]) our testimony 
to a free gospel ministr}^ both in precept and 
practice. 

While we are sensible of the loss we have sus- 
tained in the decease of this our beloved friend, we 
are enabled to believe that he has through faith- 
fulness filled up his mission here on earth, and was 
prepared to inherit the blessing prepared for the 
righteous. We, therefore, desire reverently to ac- 
quiesce in the dispensations of Him whose ways 
are past finding out. 



A Memorial of Troy Monthly Meeting concern^ 
ingour helovtd Friend, Thankful Merritt, de- 
ceased. 

Being deeply sensible of the loss we have sus- 
tained, in the removal from works to rewards of 
our beloved Friend, we feel our minds engaged to 
give forth the following testimony concerning her. 

She was the daughter of Matthew and Mercy 
Scott, and was born the twenty-first of Fifth-month, 
17S0, at Spencertown, Columbia County, State of 
New York. Her parents were members of the so- 
ciety of Presbyterians, and she was educated in 
their belief, and joined that society In the year 
1797, she removed with her parents to Kingsbury, 



THANKFUL MERRITT. 141 

in Wasliingtoi} County, where she was married to 
Benjamin Merritt, on the third of Tenth-month, 
1800. She subsequently removed with her husband 
to reside at White Creek, within the compass of 
Easton Monthly Meeting, where she became ac- 
quainted with, and convinced of the truth of the 
principles professed by Friends ; and about the 
year 1811 she became a member of our Society, 
and soon after appeared in the ministry. 

In the year 1815, she removed with her husband 
to the city of New York. 

By a strict attention to the unfoldings of truth, 
she learned in the school of Christ, that it is by 
the way of the Cross that the Crown is to be ob- 
tained, and true happiness experienced. Thus 
abiding, she became qualified to instruct others' 
and her gift in the ministry was acknowledged by 
the Monthly Meeting of New York in the year 
1829 ; and being obedient to the further manifes- 
tations of truth, she became a faithful minister of 
the Gospel. Circumspect in life and conversation, 
and walking answerably to the doctrines she 
taught, it may truly be said she was a preacher both 
by example and precept. 

About the year 1834, she removed with her hus- 
band to the city of Troy, where she continued to 
reside till the time of her death. She was a very 



142 MEMORIAL OF 

diligent attender of meetings, and was concerned 
to labor faithfully in the vineyard, both at home 
and abroad; not considering any sacrifice too great, 
nor any labor too arduous, for the security of that 
peace she had obtained, and the favor of Him 
with whom are all the treasures of wisdom and 
knowledge 

With the concurrence of her friends she per: 
formed divers religious visits. She several times 
visited part of the meetings constituting New 
York Yearly Meeting, and twice attended Phila- 
delphia and Baltimore Yearly Meetings. It ap- 
peared by return minutes that these visits were to 
the satisfaction of Friends ; and she expressed that 
she had witnessed great peace of mind in thus 
having given up to her Master's service. A friend 
who travelled with her in several of her religious 
visits, remarked, in relation to her ministry^ 
that from meeting to meeting, there was a fresh- 
ness attending her communications, comparable 
to the manna newly gathered for the sustenance 
of the day. 

She felt a warm sympathy for the enslaved Afri- 
can race, and had such a sense of the great injus- 
tice done them, that she scrupulously abstained 
from using the produce of their labor, for a num- 
ber of the last years of her life. 



THANKFUL MERRITT. 143 

She was a good example of plainness and sim- 
plicity, to the propriety of which she bore a faith- 
ful testimony. 

She frequently visited the abodes of the sick 
and afflicted, and, at divers times, criminals con- 
fined in prisons ; often extending suitable counsel 
and advice, and consoling them by her soothing ad- 
dress, for which she was remarkable. Within the 
course of a few years, five of her children, in the 
bloom of youth, were removed by death ; all of 
which severe deprivations she bore with Christian 
fortitude and resignation, — speaking at their funer- 
als, in a calm and acquiescing spirit, of the good- 
ness of God, and, he having given, of his right to 
take away. 

During her last illness, she appeared tranquil 
and resigned, and expressed her firm reliance on a 
peaceful close of this life, and the joys of never- 
ending bliss. She took frequent occasions, when 
the severity of her cough would permit, to address 
her children on important religious subjects ; and 
one evening, near the close of her life, she told the 
family, then mostly collected in her room, '' that 
having found the principles she professed, and 
which she had endeavored to live up to, sufficient 
for her, she had no new thing to recommend to 
them.'' 



144 MEMORIAL OF 

She departed this life on the twenty-second of 
Fifth-month. 1845, aged sixty-five years. 



A Testimonij of Albany and Rensselaer ville Month- 
ly Meetings, concerning our late beloved Friend^ 
Elizbetii Carv. 

She was born the twenty-second of Second-month, 
1772; was the daughter of Richartus and Ruth 
Cornell, of the town of Beekman, Dutchess County, 
New York. Little is known of her early life until 
her marriage, about the twentieth year of her age, 
with our late beloved Friend, Samuel Cary ; soon 
after which they settled in the townof Rensselaer- 
ville, Albany county, then a comparatively new 
country. As the cares of a family devolved on her, 
her many amiable qualities were developed, and 
she became a fit instrument of usefulness in the 
church. At that early day she was appointed an 
elder, which station she filled, with entire accept- 
ance to her friends, for many years. Her humble 
piety, tender affection to all, and great care to pro- 
mote harmony, and increase the happiness of those 
around her, together with her sweet and innocent 
deportment, endeared her to all who had the privi- 
lege of her acquaintance. 



f 



I 



ELIZABETH GARY. 145 

Her health for the last thirty years of her life 
was delicate, and for many years she suffered much 
from spasmodic affections, which entirely prostrat- 
ed her for a long time, and left her feeble and de- 
bilitated ; under which she discovered a resigna- 
tion and patience worthy the imitation of all. Her 
last sickness was occasioned by a cancer, attended 
with excruciating pain, under which she maintain- 
ed the same equable temper and holy resignation 
that had characterized her former years. Her 
solicitude for the happiness of her numerous off- 
spring, over whose welfare she had long watched 
with anxious and tender care, was at this trying 
time eminently conspicuous; and she imparted such 
counsel as her extreme debility would allow. She 
quietly departed this life the eighth of Third- 
month, 1842. At her funeral, her husband, who 
was a valuable minister of our Society, bore in a 
broken and tender manner, the following testimo- 
ny : ^' The deceased has been to me a true help- 
meet during a period of fifty years, not only in 
temporal, but in spiritual affairs; she has been as 
a stay and support to bear me up in the trials 
which it has been my particular lot to pass through. 
She has been a kind neighbor, as is known to ma- 
ny, and charitable, relieving the wants of those 
that came within her knowledge. A tender mother 
to her numerous offspring, endeavoring to lead 
10 



14(3 MKiMORlAL OF 

them in the path of pii^ty ; and I doubt not, she 
is gathered into that rest prepared for the chil- 
dren of God." 



A Tcsfimony of Albany and Rensselaer ville 
Monthly Meetings y concerning our late deceased 
Fr?e?id^ Sa.mukl Carv. 

In tJie hope that a brief account of the dealings 
of the Most High, with this our beloved Friend, 
and the instructive lesson of a well-spent life, may 
prove useful to survivors and a numerous offspring, 
we are concerned to give the following testimony 
concerning him. 

He left no written account of his convincement 
and early exercises, yet this want has been par- 
tially supplied by his family and friends. 

He was born in Providence, state of Jlhode 
Island, the eighteenth day of Eighth-month, 1766. 
His parents were Joseph and Ruth Gary. His 
mother died when he w^as quite young ; and his 
father soon after removing to the state of Gonnec- 
ticut, married for his second wife a zealous pro- 
fessor of the Presbyterian society. Among this 
people our friend received his education, until his 
seventeenth year, when he left the parental roof, 
and went to Dutchess county, state of New York. 






SAMUEL GARY. 147 

Here, removed as he was from parental restraint, 
he was abundantly exposed to temptations ; and 
being of a volatile disposition, he mingled to a con- 
siderable extent in vain company; but the guar- 
dian angel of Heaven's love watched over and 
preserved him, in this the day of eminent danger, 
from falling into gross evils. 

He remained in Dutchess county, in the employ- 
ment of Jeremiah Haxtun, until about the twenty- 
fifth year of his age, when he married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Richartus and Ruth Cornell. Soon 
after their marriage they removed to the town of 
Rensselaerville, now Westerlo, Albany county. 

Soon after their removal here, he went, on a First- 
daj^, to the house of the only Friend then living in 
those parts, and found them sitting in silence ; and 
being invited to sit with them, he expressed a 
willingness, and remained to the close of the meet- 
ing. He afterward attended occasionally for some 
time, but the little meeting being lightly esteemed, 
and sometimes spoken against, on account of its 
silence, he felt an unwillingness to be seen going 
to it ; and in order to avoid obesrvation, he often 
went by private ways, through the fields ; but it 
was not long before he became uneasy with this 
course — finding it to be his duty openly to mani- 
fest his views and feelings. According to his own 
account, he passed through many trying dispensa- 



148 MEMORIAL OF 

tions ere he gave up fully to follow his heavenly 
Father in the way of his requiriugs. The use of 
the plain language was especially trying to him, 
and he hesitated long ere he yielded to the requi- 
sition. 

He at length submitted to the operation of the 
spirit of Christ upon him ; and in the sanctifying 
power therein experienced, he soon became estab- 
lished in the truth of the principles of the Society 
of Friends. And being preserved, in a good de- 
gree faithful to the immediate influences of the 
Holy Spirit, he was fitted and prepared for useful- 
ness in the church of Christ. 

The exact time he became a member, is not now 
known, but is believed he appeared in the minis- 
try prior to that event. 

The first religious visit we have any account of, 
was performed in 1802, in company with Nathan 
and Ruth Spencer, to Friends in the New England 
States. 

He visited, at dififerent times, nearly all the 
meetings embraced in his own Yearly Meeting — 
many of them many times — always, we believe, 
to the satisfaction of his friends. 

But his eminent usefulness shone most conspi- 
cuous, in his own family and neighborhood, and in 
the particular Monthly and Quarterly Meetings 
to which he belonged. Here he was a diligent and 



I 



SAMUEL GARY. 149 

faithful laborer, in meekness and forbearance, for 
the welfare of all. His perception being quick, 
and his judgment clear, he was eminently useful 
in meetings for business, of which he was a con- 
stant attender for a period of fifty years. 

His pleasant, obliging manners ; his humble, 
unaffected piety ; his sincerity, uprightness, and 
integrity, and his entire kindness to all, greatly 
endeared him to those who knew him in the rela- 
tions of husband, parent, and neighbor. He was 
an example worthy the imitation of all. 

With but a small share of school learning, his 
dependence was on the fresh anointing of the Holy 
Spirit; and by a close attention thereto, he was 
often enabled to reach the witness in others; so 
that if it could not be said that his preaching was 
glossed with human learning, it was in demonstra- 
tion of the Spirit, and with power. 

He was blessed with a sound constitution, and 
general good health, to an advanced age. For 
something more than a year before his death, his 
pallid countenance gave evidence, that his health 
was failing, though he seldom missed a meeting — 
a distance of four miles. 

In the Tenth-month, 1844, he performed a re- 
ligious visit to Friends and others in the compass 
of Ooeyman's and Eensselaerville Monthly Meet- 
ings. This visit was received, as it proved to be 



150 iMKMORlAL OF 

the last legacy of love, that he ever paid to those 
meetJDgs, in which he was abundantly favored to 
preach the everlasting gospel, in demonstration of 
the Spirit, and with divine authority, to the ten- 
dering and refreshing of many hearts. 

In the Eleventh-month he attended Quarterly 
Meeting for the last time. 

A short time before his death, he spent some 
time in the city, visiting all his children there, and 
some others, among whom were several aged 
friends. He remarked, during his stay, that he 
thought it would be his last visit, and so it proved 
to be; for not long after his return home, his 
health declined so rapidly he returned to the city, 
where he could receive medical advice, and took 
his room at his son Joseph's. Here ho continued 
to decline, at times sufifering considerably, though 
mostly without severe pain. 

His sickness and death were such as might be 
expected from such a life ; calmly and quietly did 
he wait the time for his release from bodily suflFer- 
ings ; his intellect was preserved clear ; he spoke 
of the approaching event with composure ; he ex- 
pressed a wish that his funeral might be conducted 
with gravity and moderation, and that every thing 
about it should be plain and simple, to correspond 
with the life he had lived. 

He was visited by many friends during his ill- 



f 



SAiMUEL GARY. 151 

ness, to whom he imparted suitable and appropri- 
ate counsel. 

On parting with one with whom he had a long 
and intimate acquaintance, he said. '' Eemember 
my love to all, without respect of persons." To 
another he expressed his love for his neighbors, 
and that his prayer was that the blessing of his 
heavenly Father might rest upon them. . 

He expressed his unabated concern for the wel- 
fare of his children, saying that he had often 
prayed for their preservation and future well-being. 

Some friends calling to see him on their way to 
Quarterly Meeting, he said he had desired that he 
might continue a few days longer, that Friends 
might not be disturbed during the meeting, which 
proved to be the case. 

He expressed a strong desire, that the little 
meeting to which he belonged might be kept up, 
saying he had passed through some close trials in 
the support of our testimonies since he had be- 
longed to it. 

His last words were: '' All is peace." Having 
previously bid his weeping children and those 
around his bed an affectionate farewell, he quietly 
breathed his last, on First-day morning, Second- 
month sixteenth, 1845, aged seventy-eight years, 
five months, and twenty-eight days. 

On the nineteenth, his remains were interred in 



152 MEMORIAL OF 

Friends' burying-ground, in the city of Albany, 
after a large and solemn meeting held in Friends' 
Meeting House for the occasion. 



I 



A Tcstiviony of Saratoga Quarterly Meetings con- 
cerning our hdoved Friend^ Jonatfiax Morey, 

deceased. 

Although the subject of this memorial, at his de- 
cease, and for some time previous, was not a mem- 
ber of this meeting, yet, having been long a faith- 
ful and devoted laborer within its limits, we feel 
that a record of his religious life and gospel labors, 
is not only a tribute due to his memory, but may 
prove an incentive to the living, to emulate those 
virtues which shone so conspicuously in his char- 
acter. 

He was born in Dutchess County, the second of 
Eighth-month, 1765. His parents, Thomas and 
Sarah Morey, were Baptists by profession, accord- 
ing to whose tenets and opinions he received his 
education. 

It appears from his account, that in early life he 
became concerned for his own eternal well-being, 
and desirous to know the good and acceptable will 
of God concerning him. Being under great exer- 
cise of spirit, and turning to the oracle within, he 



I 



JOi^JATHAN MOREY. 153 

saw that nothing outward and material could affect 
the inward and spiritual ; that these were insuffi- 
cient to regenerate the soul, produce forgiveness 
for past offences, or bring about a reconciliation 
with his heavenly Father, No human agency was 
exercised in his conversion, but by the arising of 
the Sun of Righteousness was he turned from all 
shadows to the substance, even to the gift of the 
grace of God, which he found sufficient to enable 
him to live a life of sobriety and godliness in this 
present world. 

Of his residence and marriage we have no cer- 
tain knowledge, until he settled at Easton, where 
he requested the care of Friends, and became a 
member about the thirty-first year of his age. 

Soon afterward he removed to Milton, within 
the verge of Saratoga Quarterly Meeting, where 
he became an approved minister, and at which 
place he passed the most of his remaining days. 

His early life was exemplary ; his words few and 
savory. He was meek, humble, patient, and unas- 
suming ; naturally diffident and retiring, he sought 
not for eminence. Having learned obedience by 
the things he suffered, and yielding to the forming 
hand of Divine Grace, he became an able minister 
of that gospel which stands not in word, but in 
power. He was seldom lengthy, but clear and 
edifying. He performed several religious visits to 



154 MEMORIAL OF 

Friends and others, within the compass of his own 
Yearly Meeting, to the satisfaction of his friends, 
and the peace of his own mind. His public ap- 
pearances at home were frequent, weighty, and 
solemnizing. lie was a bright example in the daily 
circumspection of his life and conversation, the 
equanimity of temper, the solidity of manner in 
the domestic circle, ever maintaining a calmness 
and serenity, that gave command without censure, 
and elicited respect and obedience by the principle 
of kindness and love. At times he called his fam- 
ily together, when the God he loved and served 
was in the midst to bless. In the neighborhood he 
was a peacemaker ; never had recourse to the arm 
of the law on any occasion, but would, in his 
dealings with his fellow-man, when a difiference of 
opinion was manifested, sooner yield what he be- 
lieved to be right, than contend. And as he lived, 
so we believe he died, at peace with God and 
men : and being dead, yet speaketh, '• Follow me 
as I followed Christ." 

While performing one of his religious visits to 
Westbury Quarterly Meeting, he met with a severe 
affliction in the loss of his beloved wife ; after 
which he removed within the limits of Scipio 
Quarterly Meeting, and resided with his children 
the remainder of his life. 

His last sickness, which was protracted, he bore 



r 



THOMAS WRIGHT. 155 

with Christian patience and resignation, being sen- 
sible to the end ; and near the close appeared to 
be in supplication, though but few words could be 
understood, and quietly passed away, on the third 
of Twelfth-month, aged seventy-five years and 
four months. 

'' Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, 
for the end of that man is peace/' 



A Testimony of Stanford Quarterly Meetings con- 
cerning our heloved Friend, Thomas Wright, 
deceased. 

Feeling deeply sensible of the loss we have sus- 
tained in the removal, by death, of our beloved 
friend, Thomas Wright, we feel our minds drawn 
to prepare a brief memorial concerning him. 

He was the son of William and Eleanor Wright, 
and was born in Sheffield, England, on the twenty- 
fourth of Ninth-Month, 1778. 

By the death of his mother during his infancy, 
he was early deprived of the benefit of her mater- 
nal care ; but he was blessed in the love of a 
father, who was concerned for the spiritual welfare 
of his child, and who labored to instil into his 
mind a love for the principles of truth. In his 
youth he was much interested in the writings of 



15<5 MEMORIAL OF 

early Friends, and his feelings were deeply touch- 
ed with the account of their faithfulness and suf- 
ferings. The very peculiarities for which they 
suffered were endeared to his youthful mind ; and 
as he advanced to manhood, his judgment being 
convinced of their propriety, he was in no after 
time willing to sacrifice them to the inclination or 
convenience of the world. At one time, in order 
to gratify some youthful vanity, he procured an 
article of dress which he knew would not be ap- 
proved by his father. Being ashamed to wear it 
for the first time at the meeting where his fatheF 
sat as an Elder, he walked some distance to a meet' 
ing in a neighboring village. His father, hearing 
of the circumstance, called his son to him the next 
day, and pleaded so successfully, that the newly 
acquired article was willingly cast aside, and never 
again coveted. This simple act of filial obedience 
was often remembered by him in after years, with 
much satisfaction. He would repeat to his chil- 
dren, *' I place no undue importance on plainness 
of dress, but it was a hedge around my own youth, 
for which I have since had reason to be thankful, 
and knowing its good service, I regret when I see 
it trampled down by the young." 

In the year 1804, when about twenty-six years 
of age, he came to America ; and in the course of 
years his attachment to the country of his adop- 



f 



THOMAS WRIGHT. 157 

tion was increased by his marriage, and a final de- 
termination to settle here. 

He entered into mercantile business in the city 
of New York, which he conducted with the highest 
reputation for probity aDd integrity. Those who 
remain of his associates there, will remember how 
well and deservedly he was beloved. One who at 
that period was associated with him in commercial 
intercourse, though afterward far removed from 
him, and a zealous professor of a different religious 
sect, has, since his death, borne a beautiful testi- 
mony to the great influence for good, that his so- 
ciety and example had upon his own mind, in the 
period of his own early manhood : an influence to 
the good effects of which he confesses even now 
in declining years. 

In the summer of 1822, he retired from mercan- 
tile business, and removed to the country, within 
the limits of Hudson Monthly Meeting, where he 
continued to reside until his death ; many times 
remarking, when urged to remove from there, he 
believed it was the place for him, though not alto- 
gether so congenial a one as he could have chosen. 

He was deeply interested in the welfare of our 
religious Society in this country ; yet he ever 
retained a warm attachment for the friends and 
associations of his early life. The separation 
which occurred some years since, which severed 



158 MEMORIAL OF 

the ties of friendship with many, was particularly 
affecting to him, on account of his English rela- 
tives. He knew that the reports which were 
spread, would occasion great anxiety on his ac- 
count to friends who were dear to him But feel- 
ing, as he oftentimes remarked, that he had chosen 
in accordance with the dictates of Truth on his 
own mind, confirmed by the education of his youth, 
and his knowledge of the principles professed by 
early Frien("!8, he left it to time and circumstances 
to vindicate himself and his opinions. This anx- 
iety on his account was diminished by subsequent 
intercourse and correspondence with his friends ; 
and a visit to his native land, some years after- 
ward, fully removed any lingering fear from their 
minds as to his spiritual welfare ; and led many 
to remark, how wrongfully they had judged him 

Our dear deceased friend was a good example in 
moderation and uprightness. He was a man of 
much benevolence and kindness of feeling, com- 
bined with firmness and decision of character; 
and being of sound judgment and a discriminating 
mind, he was qualified, by a close attention to the 
pointings of Truth, for extensive usefulness in the 
affairs of the church. He filled many important 
appointments, and for several of the last years of 
his life he held the weighty and responsible station 
of Clerk, to the Yearly Meeting of New York, the 



THOMAS WRIGHT. 159 

duties of which he most faithfully aiad impartially 
performed, much to the satisfaction of the meet- 
ing. He was constant in the attendance of our 
meetings for worship and discipline, a)id was care- 
ful that his family should enjoy the same privi- 
leges. He was frequently led to caution Friends 
against the entanglements and baneful effects of 
mingling, in the political associations of the world. 

On his farm and with his family, the remaining 
years of his life passed quietly away ; and having 
always a great interest in reading, he found ample 
occupation for his leisure hours. While every 
instructive volume was welcome at his fireside, he 
was at all times careful to give the Scriptures of 
Truth the first place — frequently collecting the 
various members of his household, and after a 
time of solid silence, reading such portions of that 
inspired volume, as were adapted to their condition; 
and he frequently bore a strong testimony against 
those whose labors were designed to undervalue 
those precious writings. He was one among those 
who are the advocates and supporters of the good 
order and discipline of our Society. 

In the summer of 1845 he was attacked with an 
illness that alarmed his family and physician; but 
his own mind was calm, and his cheerfulness un- 
abated. He ever had the humility of heart, that 
shrank from dwelling in conversation, on his own 



160 MEMORIAL OP 

experience, and he would frequently remark : ** I 
fear we may talk religious impressions quite 
away : religion is a work between every individual 
soul and its God ; let us then be careful of expres- 
sion, lest we say too much.'* From this illness he 
never quite recovered. Though able to go out 
again, and to enjoy the society of his friends, his 
strength was failing, and his interest in temporal 
affairs appeared nearly at an end. Yet the cur- 
rent of his feelings flowed as warmly as ever, and 
he was desirous, in the autumn of 1846, to pay a 
visit to some distant friends, remarking: **It will 
be for the last time.'* On his return, however, his 
family were much encouraged ; and finding such 
remarks were painful to them, he refrained from 
referring to what he knew was near ; simply at 
times repeating, when plans were laid for the fu- 
ture, wherein he was concerned : 

" I hear a voice ye cannot hear ; 
It says I may not stay ; 
1 see a hand ye cannot see ; 
It beckons me away." 

And while his feelings oft-times found voioe in the 
beautiful language of Scripture, he could experi- 
mentally adopt the words of Simeon : *'Lord, now 
lettestthou thy servant depart in peace, for mine 
eyes have seen thy salvation." He was confined 



i 



THOMAS WRIGHT. I6l 

but a few days to his bed, during which time his 
bodily sufferings were great, but his mind remain- 
ed unclouded and his faith firm. On his wife's 
remarking his sufferings were great, b'Jit he bore 
them patiently, he replied, *• I fear not quite pa- 
tiently ; boast not, love, thou knowest we are com- 
manded not to boast ;" and on being asked whether 
anything was in his way, he answered, " I believe 
not, and I lean upon an arm of mercy.*' As the 
year drew to a close, so also did the earthly pil- 
grimage of this redeemed servant. The days of 
his life were numbered : the spring-time had pro- 
duced its blossoms, and succeeding seasons their 
fruit : the harvest was garnered : the laborer's re- 
lease was near; and at this expiring period of time, 
the thirty-first of Twelfth -month, 1846, the spirit 
took its departure, and we doubt not entered into 
the joys of its Lord. 



A Testimony of (he Monthly Meeting of New 
York^ concerning our beloved friend, George F. 
White, deceased. 

Our beloved friend, George F. White, having 

been removed by death, we feel our minds drawn 

to prepare the following memorial concerning him, 

for the encouragement of others in well doing. 
11 



162 IMRMORIAL OP 

He was born in the city of New York, on the 
fourth of Second-month, 1780. 

His parents, John and Elizabeth White, were 
worthy menibers of our religious Society, and were 
concerned to impress on the minds of their chil- 
dren a love for its principles. 

When he was quite young they removed from 
the city, and settled in Westchester county, in this 
State. While yet in his minority he returned to 
this city, and engaged as a clerk with a mercantile 
firm. He was of an active disposition, and fond 
of company, and indulged freely in the follies and 
vanities to which the young, when removed from 
under the watchful restraint of parental care, are 
peculiarly exposed in this large city. About the 
time of his arriving at manhood, he became of a 
more serious turn of mind. He was exemplary in 
his deportment, and steady in the attendance of 
our religious meetings. 

On the fourth of Ninth-month, 1512, he was 
united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of John 
W. and Elizabeth Haydock. He was to her an 
aflFectionate and devoted husband, and to his chil- 
dren a tender and indulgent parent. 

In the year 1811, he entered into an extensive 
mercantile business, which he followed with close 
attention, and for some time his exertions appeared 
crowned with success. But a period of disaster 



GEORGE F. WHITE. 163 

occurred ; his fair prospects were blighted, and he 
became insolvent. In the distribution of his pro- 
perty among his creditors, he adopted the course 
which appeared to him to be the most proper and 
correct under the trying circumstances in which he 
was involved ; but it was not the course which 
was sanctioned by our discipline, and he was dis- 
owned from membership with our religious Society^ 
He expressed serious regret that any of his credit- 
ors should suffer loss on his account, and a hope 
that he should be able in time to satisfy the remain- 
ing balances. 

In the year 1820, which was soon after his fail- 
ure, he removed with his family from the city, and 
settled at New Eochelle, in Westchester county. 
His feelings became estranged from Friends, and 
he discontinued the attendance of our meetings. 
He engaged in public affairs, and mingled in the 
political excitements of the times. There is reason 
to believe, however, that even at this time, when 
to human observation he appeared wandering far 
from the Father's house, he was under his prepar- 
ing hand ; and he subsequently declared, that it 
was then that many of the truths which he was 
afterward called upon to promulgate, were clearly 
opened to his understanding. Through attention 
and faithfulness to these openings, he was soon led 
to see the inconsistency of his connection with such 



164 MEMORIAL OF 

associations ; and he withdrew from them so en- 
tirely, that for many of the latter years of his life 
he would not even cast a vote at an election. 

lie resided at New Rochelle about six years, 
and followed the business of a miller. 

In 1826 he returned with his family to this city, 
where he continued to reside during the remaining 
years of his life. Except for a short time, he was 
engaged in business as a dealer in flour, grain, and 
other agricultural products. 

After his return to this city, he was brought 
under great exercise of mind. This appears to 
have been to him a period of darkness, of doubt, 
and of deep distress. It pleased his heavenly 
Father to hide his face from him for a season He 
was, at times, almost ready to believe, that if there 
were a God, surely he must be malevolent, and 
must delight in the sufferings of his creatures. In 
the bitterness of his soul he would exclaim : *' He 
was unto me as a bear lying in wait, and as a 
lion in secret places ; In the anguish of his spirit 
he could cry out :^ ** Wherefore is light given to 
him that is in misery, and life to the bitter in 
soul ; which long for death, and it c«jmeth not, 
and dig for it more than for hid treasures." Day 
after day it was his prayer, night after night his 
petition, that he might go down into the earth, and 
be as though he had never been. He sought soli- 



f 



I 



GEORGE F. WHITE. 165 

tary places of retirement. Even the Scriptures of 
Truth became to him as a sealed book, and he 
could not read them. We believe this trying dis- 
pensation was brought upon him as a prepara- 
tion for the work to which his divine Master was 
about to call him. From it he learned this im- 
portant lesson, that of himself he could do nothing ; 
that the power of the Lord alone was equal to 
such an emergency. In the fullness of time it 
pleased his Heavenly Father to dispel the thick 
clouds that had gathered around him — to pluck 
his feet from the miry clay, and place them 
on a rock. 

In the autumn of 1832 he again became a mem- 
ber of the Society of Friends. He testifies, that 
" he entered it, not in his own will, nor in his own 
time, but in accordance with the will, and at the 
appointed time of his Divine Master, 

He soon afterward commenced his public ap- 
pearances in the ministry. His communications 
at first were short and in much simplicity, but 
they were accompanied with an evidence that they 
proceeded from right authority. By attention to 
his Guide, his gift increased, and he became an 
eminent minister of the Gospel of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. He was acknowledged a 
minister in 1836 — being in the forty-eighth year 
of his age. 



166 MEMORIAL OF 

At the Monthly Meeting in Eighth nionth, being 
the meeting in which his ministry was acknowl- 
edged, be opened a concern to attend the Yearly 
Meeting of Ohio ; and to appoint some meetings, 
and visit some of the prisons on his way, going or 
returning. 

In Tenth-month of the same year, he obtained 
a minute to perform a visit in some of the Eastern 
States, as far as Boston, Salem, and Andover, in 
Massachusetts ; and to appoint some meetings. 
These services were performed to the peace of 
his mind. 

In Twelfth-month of the same year, a minute 
was granted him to perform a visit in some of the 
Southern States, and to appoint meetings in some 
of the principal cities in Virginia, South Carolina, 
and Georgia. At that time there was great excite- 
ment in the minds of the people in that section of 
the country, on the subject of slavery. It was 
thought doubtful by many, whether he would be 
received among them, and fears were felt by some 
for his personal safety ; but he went, not in his 
own will, nor in his own strength — and a way was 
made for him in the minds of the people in a re- 
markable manner. The service was performed to 
the peace of his own mind, and, we believe, to the 
honor of Truth. 

In 1839, he opened a concern, which had long 



GEORGE F. WHITE, 167 

pressed heavily on his niind, to pay a visit, in the 
love of the Gospel, to some of the inhabitants of 
Great Britain and Ireland. His concern was unit- 
ed with by the meeting, and he was encouraged to 
proceed in it as Truth might open the way. He re- 
ceived certificates of the concurrence of the Month- 
ly and Quarterly Meetings, and the Yearly Meet- 
ing of Ministers and Elders. But the way to per- 
form this visit did not open, and early in the year 
1841 he returned the certificates to the meetings 
that issued them. In a feeling manner he stated 
that, in endeavoring to keep a single eye to the 
openings of Truth, he felt most easy to return the 
certificates, feeling for the present released from 
the engagement expressed therein. 

Although he was thus released from laboring in 
a foreign land, yet he travelled extensively in this 
country in the service of Truth. He attended all 
our Yearly Meetings on this continent ; and he 
visited many meetings both within the compass of 
our own and other Yearly Meetings. He also ap- 
pointed many meetings among Friends, and others 
not in profession with us. His plain and pointed 
testimonies would at times cause some to be offend- 
ed at his doctrines ; but his communications were 
clothed with such power and evidence of right 
authority, that the truth he preached would find 
large place in the minds of his hearers. 



168 MEMORIAL OF 

Among the testimonies which were committed 
to him to bear, the most prominent was, the uni- 
versality of the love of God — and that his grace, 
which brings salvation, is^ offered to all men : and 
second only to this was his faithful and uncom- 
promising testimony against a hireling ministry 
In this class he included not only those who 
preach for hire, but also all those who, under a 
profession of being engaged in works of righteous- 
ness and benevolence, are receiving or seeking for 
the rewards of men. His bold and fearless expo- 
sures of the inconsistency of many of their move- 
ments, gave oflFence to some, and raised a spirit of 
opposition against him ; but none of these things 
turned him aside from what he believed to be his 
duty. He clearly exposed the inconsistency of 
such as ])rofess to have received a dispensation of 
the Gospel of Christ, and to be walking after the 
law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, and yet 
are turning the attention of those who have fallen 
into weakness or infirmity, to man, or to associa- 
tions of ipen, or even to the strength of their own 
good resolutions. He had not so learned Christ. 
He could tell them, from his own experience, that 
there is balm in Gilead, and a physician there who 
is equal to every emergency. He preached not 
man, but Christ Jesus the Lord, as the only true 
Saviour. 'J'o Him alone could he n^fer them. If 



GEORGE F. WHITE. 169 

the truth shall make you free, ye shall be free in- 
deed. 

It was not his practice to point out particular 
duties to his hearers. He believed that every man 
had his own particular law, written in his own 
mind ; and it was to the fulfilling of this law that 
he desired to encourage them. It was his business 
to invite them to the feet of the Master, and there 
to leave them with the injunction, " Whatsoever 
hebiddeth thee, that do." 

In his view, sin consisted in withholding obedi- 
ence from clearly manifested requisitions of duty. 
While with great boldness and clearness he de- 
nounced certain practices as being out of the 
Truth, he often expressed himself as careful to 
call no man a sinner : of this the Searcher of 
hearts alone could judge. 

His testimony against the evils and injustice of 
slavery and oppression, was powerful and convin- 
cing, and his practice was consistent with his 
precept. From a sense of duty he was careful, 
during many of the latter years of his life, to avoid 
participating in the gain of oppression, by making 
gain from dealing in the products of slaves' labor,. 
And when, in the performance of his religious or 
other duties, be was placed in circumstances that 
made it necessary he should be served by those 



170 MEMORIAL OF 

who were held in bondage, he endeavored, as far 
as possible, to rtMjuite them for their services. 

He placed a high value on the Scriptures of 
Truth. He esteemed them as being, next to a 
living gospel ministry, the greatest outward bless- 
ing that is conferred on man. He appealed for 
the truth of his doctrines, to the witness for Truth 
in the minds of his hearers-, and to the Scriptures. 
By these he was willing they should be tried. He 
bore a strong testimony against those whose labors 
were designed to undervalue them, or to raise 
doubts of their authenticity. Yet he believed that, 
to understand them aright, it required a portion of 
the same power that moved holy men of old to put 
them forth ; and he was at times led to warn hon- 
est but inexperienced minds against being led into 
a snare, by attempting to expound parts of them 
that had not been opened to them in the light of 
Truth. 

His mind was often brought under exercise on 
behalf of the young. He knew that youth was 
the season for rejoicing, and he never found it to 
be his place to check their innocent enjoy)nents ; 
but in the language of the wise man he could 
address them: *• Rejoice, young man, in thy 
youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of 
thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and 



GEORGE F. WHITE. 171 

in the light of thine eyes ; but know that for all 
these things God will bring thee into judgment." 
His spirit yearned for them, that they might so 
walk, that this judgment might not be unto con- 
demnation ; but that they might be preserved in 
the paths of innocency and virtue. In the endear- 
ing language of love, he entreated them to yield to 
every requisition of duty, how small soever it 
might appear, even if it should be so simple as the 
laying aside of a ribbon, or the making some 
change in a form of speech, or in withdrawing 
from an unprofitable associate. - By yielding obe- 
dience, they would receive the reward of peace, 
and their strength would be increased. 

In his public communications, he was often led 
to impress on the minds of his hearers the benefit 
of secret prayer — ^not as a means of lessening pre- 
sent suffering, nor of averting that which may ap- 
pear to be impending, nor yet to increase the be- 
nignity of the Deity, who ever is love, and whose 
dispensations are always designed, in his infinite 
wisdom, for the benefit of his creatures. But in the 
bowedness and humility of soul which are ever 
attendant on true prayer, an evidence would al- 
ways be afforded, that whether he gives, or whe- 
ther he withholds from giving, it is alike for good. 
And although, in view of approaching suffering, 
the petition may be raised, ** 0, Father, if it be 



172 MEMORIAL OK 

possible, let this cup pass from me ;" yet, as true 
prayer has its perfect work, the language will also 
be known, ''Nevertheless, not my will, but thine 
be done " Thus we should become reconciled to 
him, and to his dispensations. 

His appearances in public vocal prayer were 
not freijuent; but the inwardness and weight of 
his spirit, the reverence and solemnity of his man- 
ner, and the fewness but fullness of his words, were 
remarkably impressive. It may truly be said of 
him, that he excelled in prayer ; and truly it was 
a testimony that he lived near to the Lord, for 
they that know him most will see most reason to 
approach him in reverence and fear. 

His labors in the ministry, in the meeting of 
which he was a member, were constant and un- 
wearied. He rarely sat through a meeting in si- 
lence. But he preached from ne«iessity. It was 
evident that he was often bearing a heavy burden, 
and that the language of the apostle was true of 
him, *' Woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel," 
His motive in laboring was not the good he could 
do to others, but to secure rest and peace to his 
own soul. Hence he was not looking out for fields 
of labor, but was always willing to retire to his 
rest. He was a man of sound judgment, of quick 
perception, and of a clear understanding; but it 
was not to these that he trusted in his ministry. 



GEORGE F. WHITE. 173 

He was careful to keep a single eye to the open- 
ings of the pure spring of life, and to follow its 
leading ; and when he felt these to be withdrawn, 
he would close his testimony — sometimes abruptly. 
He knew that of himself he could do nothing, and 
his confidence was in that strength which was 
referred to by an eminent apostle, in this lan- 
guage : *' When I am weak, then am I strong.'' 

One striking and prominent trait in his charac- 
ter was his entire devotion to what he believed 
was the will of his divine Master concerning him. 
*• He shunned not to declare the whole counsel of 
God." Neither the good opinions of his friends, 
nor the censures of his opponents, appeared to 
have any influence over his actions. Yet he was 
a firm advocate for the order and discipline of our 
Society, and he often expressed his belief that so 
long as he should continue to be a member of it, 
his Master would never require him to violate its 
order. 

He continued to exercise his gift in the ministry 
with great acceptance, up to the time of our 
Yearly Meeting in Fifth-month last. During the 
course of that meeting he took little active part in 
its business ; but just at the close of its last sitting, 
he made a few very impressive remarks. In the 
course of them he stated that he had long felt the 
strength with which he had been endued to be 



I 



174 MEMORIAL OP 

pa.ssing away, and he believed it would be the last 
time he should addres an assembly convened in 
that capacity. His communication brought a 
solemn covering over the meeting, under the influ- 
ence of which it concluded. 

For several weeks after this he attended our 
meetings in silence. We viewed it as a season of 
rest for him, but we little thought his work was so 
nearly finished. Early in Seventh-month, at a 
First-day morning meeting, he arose, and stated 
that it was with fear and trembling he again stood 
before the congregation of the people. For ten 
long years he had lain down in armor, rose up in 
armor, yes, and even slept in mail ; but he blessed 
his heavenly Father there were now no enemies 
for him to fear, for he knew that unto Christ was 
committed all power in heaven and on earth, and 
he can make even a man's enemies to be at peace 
with him. Yet he spoke not as having attained to 
a state of perfection, or as being past the liability 
of becoming a castaway, after having preached to 
others; but he had full confidence that the grace 
of God would be as efficient to sustain him under 
all future temptations and trials, as it had been to 
sustain him through the past. He had felt like a 
discharged day's man, one who had been called in 
upon an emergency, and not worthy of constant 
employment. He had spoken nothing but what 



GEORGB F. WHITE„ 175 

he believed his heavenly Father had authorized 
or required him to do ; and he felt bound to de- 
clare, for the encouragement of the young, that he 
had not been discharged without his reward : he 
had received the blessed penny. 

This was the last time he spoke in our First-day 
meetings. On two occasions, subsequently, he 
said a few words just at the close of our small mid- 
week meetings ; but it was evident that the bur- 
den of the word which had oftentimes borne so 
heavily upon him, was removed, Even the calm- 
ness and serenity of his countenance, while sitting 
in our meetings, indicated a mind at rest About 
the middle of Eighth-month he left his home, with 
a view to accompany a portion of his family on an 
excursion to the western part of this state. On 
their way they stopped at Poughkeepsie, where he 
was attacked with a severe and distressing illness, 
during which he manifested the most entire resig- 
nation to the Divine will. He never uttered a 
word of complaint while suffering most painfully. 
His language uniformly was, when disappointed 
in obtaining relief from any of the remedies used, ' 
*' All is wisely ordained," His physician informs 
us, that his visits were frequent daily ; and finding 
him always in the same happy and peaceful state 
of mind, he on one occasion remarked to him : 
" You suffer much, and cannot but feel that you 



176 MEMORIAL OF 

are in danger, yet I have seldom attended a patient 
whom I have found at all times in such a happy 
and tranquil state of mind as you seem to enjoy.'* 
He replied : *' I have closed all my accounts with 
the world. I have given myself up entirely into 
the hands of my Maker. I know that my Re- 
deemer liveth, and I feel and know that all things 
are wisely ordered. I have nothing to disturb 
me : I leave all with my heavenly Father.' This 
conversation took place about three weeks pre- 
viously to his decease. From this time till his 
death his language and demeanor were always the 
same, and in accordance with what he then said. 
He had full possession of his faculties until the last, 
and died as peacefully and tranquilly as he had 
borne himself through the whole period of his ill- 
ness. His physician adds : '' So strongly was my 
mind impressed with the evidence of his piety and 
Christian character, that I was constrained to say, 
that I had never known a more striking case of 
resignation and submission to the Divine will.*' 

He died on Seventh-day morning, the ninth of 
Tenth-month, 1847, after an illness of about seven 
weeks — being in the fifty-ninth year of his age. 
His remains were brought to this city, and were 
interred on the Third-day afternoon, from Rose 
Street Meeting House, after a large and solemn 
meeting. Several communications were made, all 



WILLIAM IRISH. 177 

of which bore evidence of undoubting confidence 
that all was well with him. While we deeply 
feel our bereavement, it was also felt to be a cause 
of rejoicing that his sun had set in brightness ; 
and that he was rem^oved while there was not a 
cloud to darken his memory. We believe he had 
finished his appointed work ; that he had been a 
faithful servant on earth, and that he is now re- 
moved to a mansion of rest in heaven. 



Memorial of Ohlong Monthly Meeting, concerning 
our deceased friend, William Irish. 

Believing that '* to commemorate the lives of 
the righteous, is a tribute due to their memory and 
may prove an incentive to the living, to emulate 
their virtues," we are therefore concerned to pre- 
serve some account of the consistent, exemplary 
life, and peaceful close, of this our departed friend. 

He was born at his late residence, in the Town 
of Pawling, County of Dutchess, and State of 
New York, the sixteenth of Fourth-month, 1820. 
His parents, David and Martha Irish, are mem- 
bers of our Society, and from them we obtain some 
part of the following account. 

His obedience, commenced in childhood, which 
he scrupulously practised in after life, as a duty 
12 



178 MEMORIAL OP 

due to his parents — thus establishing that mutual 
confidence, and unreserved freedom, so desirable 
between parents and children. And while young 
and in the attendance of school, his orderly con- 
duct won for him the esteem of his teachers; and 
we have testimony, that his example and coun- 
sel will long be profitably remembered by his 
school-mates. 

The principle of divine truth, received Into his 
youthful mind, was like seed sown upon good 
ground, it brought forth abundantly ; hence his 
early and great care, not to deviate from the truth 
on any occasion, and so to act, as not to bring con- 
demnation upon himself, or wound the feelings of 
his parents. When quite young he was remark- 
able, for his tenderness of feeling for his fellow- 
creatures, which also extended to the lower orders 
of creation : and he so cherished this feeling, that 
it became his delight to administer to the comfort 
of both. His industry in the cultivation of his 
mind, procured for him a fund of useful knowledge, 
which in social conversation, rendered his company 
interesting and edifying. 

He improved the best gifts ; and truly such was 
his attainment, that love seemed predominant in 
word and deed. 

In his occupation, that of a farmer, he was in- 
dustrious without excess. In the diligent attend- 



I 



WILLIAM IRISH. 179 

ance of religious meetings, lie bore a faithful testi- 
mony to its importance, and when his parents 
deemed it right to leave home upon a religious 
account, he would use his best endeavors to make 
the way easy for them. 

He was a pattern of moderation in all respects, 
worthy of imitation ; and to the youth a good ex- 
ample of plainness of dress and address, consist- 
ent with our profession. 

At eighteen years of age he was appointed 
Clerk of this meeting, and giving satisfaction, 
was, by re-appointments, continued in that service 
most of the remainder of his life. 

H e sought neither popularity nor eminence, but 
was retiring and diffident of his own attainments, 
especially upon the subject of religion, always man- 
ifesting much deference for those of riper years. 

He was exceedingly guarded against speaking 
of others' failings to their disadvantage — his char- 
ity was without partiality, and would make great 
allowance for degradation and loss of character. 
The condition of the slave and slave holder, fre- 
quently occupied his mind ; both of whom he con- 
sidered demanded our pity and labor for their im- 
provement, — and his sense of the inconsistency, 
and injustice of rewarding the master, for the 
slaves' unrequited toil, was such, that, he gave a 
decided preference to free-labor products. 



180 MEMORIAL OF 

He scrupulously avoided novel reading, and all 
light and frivolous publications — he chose the books 
he read as the company he kept, for the substantial 
improvement they were calculated to impart. 

When about twenty-nine years of age, he united 
in marriage, with Anna, daughter of Aaron and 
Phebe Quinby, with whom he lived about two and 
a half years proving to her a kind and affection- 
ate husband. 

Until about twenty years of age he enjoyed good 
health ; at that period he had an ill turn from the 
effects of which he never entirely recovered. In 
the summer of 1850 his symptoms became increas- 
ingly consumptive, at which he never expressed 
anxiety or alarm, but appeared disposed to exhibit 
the most favorable side of his case, out of tender- 
ness of feeling for his relatives. 

During the winter of 1851, he was principally 
confined to the house, but being in a tranquil, re- 
signed state of mind, his company and conversa- 
tion, continued pleasant and interesting. By me- 
dical aid and a return of warm weather his health 
improved ; but at the commencement of the follow- 
ing winter, his disease increased, causing much suf- 
fering, which he endured with fortitude and re- 
signation. 

A few weeks previous to his death, accompanied 
by his wife, he went to Newburgh for medical aid, 



WILLIAM IRISH. 181 

where he remained until his decease. Upon the 
propriety of leaving home on such an occasion, he 
observed, '' a disposition to do what we could, to 
preserve and lengthen out life, was a wise provi- 
sion of the Creator, implanted in the human mind, 
in obedience to which he was willing to go.*' 

About this time, he embraced opportunities, for 
preparing the mind of his wife, to meet the ap- 
proaching change, with composure and resignation. 
He also, expressed much sympathy for his parents, 
in the bereavement and loss, they must realize in 
his death. 

A short time previous to leaving home, in speak- 
ing of the future, he gave evidence, that his reli- 
ance and confidence, had not been misplaced, say- 
ing, *' my dependance, has not been upon the phi- 
losophy of men, or books.'' In discoursing upon 
the prospect of being removed from this stage of 
action, while yet but in the prime of life, he re- 
marked, *' the time I have lived^ I have enjoyed 
life, I have enjoyed it much." At another time, 
he said, he did not think, he should be taken out 
of time until it would be better for him than a 
continuance here. 

Such was the composed, peaceful state of his 
mind, during the last few weeks at Newburgh, 
(and his bodily sufferings being mitigated,) that, 
he frequently remarked to his wife, " how comfort- 



182 MEMORIAL OP 

able they were, and how much they enjoyed life/' 
adding, '• perhaps more than many in health/' 

When near his end, perceiving that his beloved 
wife, was conscious, that they must soon part, he 
requested her to give him up cheerfully ; but the 
prospect of so great a loss, produced in her a burst 
of grief Seeing that this was wounding to his 
otherwise peaceful mind, she shortly became com- 
posed, which seemed to be the removal of the last 
obstacle in the way of his happy close. 

Such was the sustaining power of divine good- 
-ness over his spirit, that on the day previous to his 
death, he remarked in substance, that even sick- 
ness could be made pleasant, and in conversation, 
and demeanor exhibited no depression, but on the 
contrary a most joyous state of mind. 

During the last night he lived, he said to one 
taking care of him, that such care would not be 
required much longer ; thus evincing a clear sense, 
that his final clgse was near. 

He retained his senses perfectly to the last, fre- 
quently expressing his entire resignation, and that 
he felt nothing in his way. He breathed his last 
about 3 o'clock P. M. on the 20th of Second 
month, 1852, aged 31 years and 10 months, and 
we have no doubt, has entered into the heavenly 
kingdom, prepared for the Lord's sanctified chil- 
dren. 



HANNAH E. NICH(jLS. 183 

The following day, his remains were taken to 
his late residence at Qaaker Hill, where on the 
23rd, after a solemn meeting, his body was in- 
terred. 



Memorial of Danby Monthly Meetings concerning 
Hannah R. Nichols, deceased. 

The subject of the following memorial, was 
born the fifteenth of Second Month, 1819. She 
had but a delicate constitution, and was in conse- 
quence much indulged in her innocent amuse- 
ments, by a tender mother. She was of a lively, 
companionable turn of mind, and easy to be en- 
treated. As she advanced in years, the fascina- 
ting pleasures of the world seemed to allure her 
for a season, and a strong inclination was mani- 
fested, to follow the prevailing fashions of the day. 
At a subsequent period, while on the bed of sick- 
ness, she acknowledged that in giving indulgence 
to this desire, she had done violence to the moni- 
tions within her own breast, in thus adorning the 
tenement of clay. 

We will here quote her own expressions. 
''This has been my most besetting sin, having 
had a manifestation of my duty to my Heavenly 



J 84 MKVfOKIAL OK 

Fath(^r, and neglected to do it ; therefore have I 
had to drink of the dregs of affliction." 

In 1847 her constituional weakness had in- 
creased, and as days numbered weeks, and weeks 
months, her sufferings also increased. She was at 
the commencement impres'sed with the idea that 
she should not recover, and was very thoughtful 
and anxious for the welfare of her immortal soul. 
The first intimation to her beloved father of her 
sore conflict of mind, was some weeks after being 
prostrated on the languishing bed of sickness. 
Wishing him to be called in, and embracing him, 
she said " Father, I think I cannot stay with you 
long, and wish that I might mingle my tears with 
thine, and ask thy forgiveness, for the many times 
1 have greived thee." On being told, that it 
would bo an unkind earthly parent, who would not 
forgive little childish errors, when our Heavenly 
Father stood ready to pardon the truly penitent sup- 
pliant, she exclaimed " Ze^/Ze, father they are not 
little : I clearly saw and knew what my Heavenly 
Father's will was, even when I was but a little 
child, and I then sinned against this Divine Light; 
and could obtain no peace 'till I went out and knelt 
in a retired place and prayed for forgiveness; and 
even on going to bed could obtain no rest till I 
removed the pillow from my head, that I might 
be low and humble. Still have I gone on in pride. 



■•?■ 

f 



HANNAH R, NICHOLS, 185 

I have not been sufficiently helpful to my dear 
sister, in her endeavors to keep the younger chil- 
dren in plainness. She has had a trying path 
since the death of our dear Mother ; Oh ! the sor- 
rowful hours I have given her and thee, by the 
indulgence of my love of dress. But I entreat 
thee, father, dont give out. Do all thou canst to 
have the boys plain and simple in their appear- 
ance ; continue thy care that they attend meeting, 
and read good books. I wish thee to purchase 
each of the children a religious book as a present to 
them from me. Call them frequently together, and 
read the Bible or some other good book to them. 
I have loved to hear thee read. I have been try- 
ing to break the ties of nature, and feel I can 
give all up but thee and my eldest sister ; it seems 
hard to part with you — you have done so much 
for me." At another time she said — '- Father, sit 
close by me, and pray for me. I fear there is no 
mercy for me, I have been so proud. Oh ! the 
pride I have taken in arranging my hair. I suf- 
fered for it and sometimes wished it might turn 
gray in order to humble me." 

Some days after this she exclaimed, " Father, 
I think I have this night seen a Heavenly Light 
bright and clear, and believe there is a mansion 
prepared for me who am so little worthy. As an 
evidence that my transgressions are passed by, 



186 MKMORIAL OP 

1 feel all peace and love to flow to every indivi- 
dual.'* After this many gloomy days and nights 
were her portion, during which she would inquire 
the cause of her doubts and fears — saying, ** I fear 
I have not been sufliciently patient, and have 
been too anxious to recover, that I might do some 
good in the world." There were seasons, when 
through the medium of the pen, she could hold in- 
tercourse with the absent ; in whom, as well as 
in those around her, she was deeply interested. 
One individual whom she had never seen, and who 
lived but a few miles distant, drew largely upon 
her sympathies — a young woman in straitened cir- 
cumstances, with physical energies prostrated, 
and no means to procure such personal comforts 
as she herself had always been blessed with. 
She sent her books, and at times wrote such words 
of comfort as her own sensitive nature knew by ex- 
perience to be most precious to the afflicted tra- 
veler. To a friend who visited her during her 
sickness she remarked, that **a great deal of the 
suflFering she endured had been induced by her own 
imprudence. The vital powers had not been al- 
lowed free play by the foolish demands of fashion, 
which would confine within a small compass the 
most important organs of the human system — thus 
frustrating the design of the Beneficent Dispenser 
of Life and health — who doeth all things well, and 



HANNAH R. NICHOLS. 187 

whose physical laws cannot be violated with im- 
punity." 

On the eighteenth of Twelfth Month, 1848, 
there was a material change for the worse. She 
awakened very sick ; for a few moments, it was 
thought she could not survive long. She was per- 
fectly calm and composed, saying, '' do not mourn 
for me, but prepare to meet me ; I am glad I am 
going to Heaven/' 

She afterwards remarked "If it were the Lord's 
will, I should like to recover, that I might serve 
him with all my strength, and be an example to 
others," but added " all is peace." 

Her brothers and sisters arriving, and seeing 
them much affected, she said, " do not mouru) 
live rightly, and you will take comfort." She fre- 
quently expressed the gratitude she felt, for the 
attention of her beloved relatives. A friend com- 
ing in she extended her hand saying " I desire thy 
husband to have a care over my brothers. I think 
they are good boys, but I want they should dress 
more plainly and use the plain language." To a 
sister she said, " I am in great distress, but the 
Lord knows I love him above every thing else." 

On presenting a little token of affection to a 
dear friend, which caused those around her to 
weep, she said with a radiant countenance, " wipe 
away your tears, we shall not long be separated. 



188 MEMORIAL OF 

We have lived long together, while others have 
been divided. Every thing looks pleasant to me 
but to see my sisters troubled. Think of my suf- 
ferings and try to be reconciled to give me up. On 
requesting a sister to sit by her, she added, ** ma- 
ny are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord 
delivereth them out of them all." On being told 
he would soon deliver her, she said, ** I think so, 
but it will be one of the greatest mercies that I 
should be saved. I feel as if I had done nothing 
for the Lord, and did not deserve the happiness I 
have already enjoyed. But his mercy is greater 
than my infirmities." 

Fearing a severe struggle at the last, she sweetly 
petitioned her Maker, to be with her through the 
valley of the shadow of Death. 

She urged her family to love and serve the Lord 
better and better, adding, '' Mother has gone 
and is happy, I shall soon follow, and then two of 
us will be well through." To a brother she said 
with a kiss, *• Be a good boy, attend meetings con- 
stantly, and while there, endeavor to think of good 
things : be sure never to swerve from the truth. 
Be good to dear Father who has had so many 
anxious hours on account of his children. Be kind 
to sister Mary. Remember thou wast but a babe 
when she began to have the care of thee. Read 
good Books." 



HANNAH R. NICHOLS. 189 

She said duriDg the first three months of her 
sickness, the thought of being laid in the grave, 
was hard to be reconciled to, but '* it is nothing 
to me now. Do not think of me as in the grave, 
but as abiding in perfect happiness with my Heav- 
enly Father, whose arras are open to receive me 
and are now supporting me." 

First of First-month, 1849, she was till noon, 
deprived of her speech, but after noon, gave an as- 
surance that peace reigned within, adding, '* I am 
not afraid, no — I am not afraid to die, repeating 

•' Oh death where is thy sting. 
Oh grave where is thy victory." 

On being asked if she had any word to send to 
an absent brother, she said, *' Yes — tell him to 
love and serve the Lord, and to walk in the straight 
path ; it is so straight, I fear he does not walk in 
it, as he ought. Tell him not to mind too much 
the things of this world. I shall soon be through, 
and shall be happy — happy — happy.'* 

Afterwards addressing her sisters, she said, ''keep 
in an humble, child-like state, and wait upon the 
Lord, and He will be near and strengthen you ; and 
how much comfort you will all take in serving him. 
For a few days after her mind was again clouded, 
and she once exclaimed, ''How stripped I am." 
On being told Jesus once felt so stripped that he 



190 MEMORIAL OF 

cried out ** My God — My God, why hast thou for- 
saken me ?" She raised her liand, saying, ^'that has 
rested with me a great deal during my siclmess, 
and I believe it was for this trying time." To a 
friend who came to see her she said, ** I am in 
great distress ; what I have suffered in four weeks 
cannot be expressed, but I have not been obliged 
to struggle for the exercise of patience, all has been 
given me ; see how good the Lord is." 

On rousing from sleep one morning she remark- 
ed, " I wake up here again ; shall I not go soon ? 
I am a great while getting home," and turning to 
a sister, said, ** dear sister I love thee, I love you 
all, — but I want to go home. Father, \«rhat a 
happy change it will be, when this aching body is 
laid away in the silent grave, in a plain white cof- 
fin, — and the spirit takes its flight to rest. You 
will have no cause to mourn for me. You will 
have nothing to regret, you have done all that 
could be done." 

Then alluding to her grave clothes, desired that 
they should present an example of plainness. 
Again was the mind of this dear sufl"erer permit- 
ted to be clouded for a time, and she had to recur 
to past seasons of heavenly enjoyment, when she 
had been given to see, that she must not even 
think her own thoughts — ** but at times" she said, 
" I have ; and that must be the reason why I am 



HANNAH R. NICHOLS™ 191 

left thus destitute*'^ — but the next moruing she 
said, ** I am more than rewarded this morning, for 
all I have suffered. Oh ! what a bed this would 
be, without the Lord's presence ? but now it is a 
bed of peace, there is a mansion prepared for me 
— I know there is, I know it — nothing can shake 
my belief." Then broke out in supplication, '* Oh 
Heavenly Father, forgive me for all mis-spent 
time, for time devoted to vanity, when I might 
have been advancing the good of my brothers and 
sisters and young companions. dearest Father, 
let it be blotted out of the book of thy remem- 
brance and grant that this my dear sister, may 
walk humbly with thee, and that her life may be 
all peace and happiness." She then desired a 
brother to come to her, and entreated him not to 
close his eyes to sleep, until he had an assurance 
that it would be well with him, urging him, to 
strive to love the whole human family, and to read 
good books, especially the Bible. One of her 
neighboring associates being much affected, she 
said to her, '' I do not want any one to love me, 
but to love the Lord, and teach the children to 
love him ;" exhorting her to pray to God, that he 
would give her a new heart. 
She then repeated these lines, 

*' Vital spark of Heavenly flame, 
Quit, Oh I quit this mortal frame, 
Trembling — hoping — ^lingering flying 

Oh — ^the pain — the bliss of dying." 



192 MEMORIAL OF 

A short time before her death, she called for 
writing materials and penned the following part- 
ing advice, — *• Dear sisters, do not mourn for me, 
but for yourselves ; love God with all your heart. 
Do not mourn over my grave, for I shall not be 
there. Comfort Father — dear Father, — and get 
together, and be cheerful and innocent. Watch 
over my dear brothers All together wait on 
God. Farewell/^ 

This act seemed lo close her earthly duties. 
Her work was done. The ordeal of preparation 
was passed. The seal of sanctification had been 
obtained. That which was perishable ccmtinued 
gradually to fail, 'till her purified spirit was freed 
from its earthly tabernacle, on the Twenty-sev- 
enth day of First-month, 1849, aged Twenty-nine 
years and eleven months. 



II 



A Testimony of Coeymans Monthly Meeting, held 
at Baltimore, ^th Month 23, 1856, concerning 
our beloved Friend Jc»H\ Powell, deceased, 

John Powell, son of Moses and Hannah Powell, 
was born the 15th of 4th month, 1771, in North 
Castle, Westchester County, State of New York, 
and removed with his parents, about the 1 3th year 



JOHN POWELL. 193 

of his age, to this place, where he has remained 
during his long and useful life. 

In his youth he avoided vain and unprofitable 
company, and kept to his plain, christian way of 
living, thereby shunning the snares to which youth 
are exposed. 

For more than sixty years he was active and 
useful in the affairs of society, was a diligent at- 
tender of our religious meetings, both for worship 
and discipline, and careful to take his family with 
him, often saying '* there was nothing gained by 
staying at home." 

For more than half a century his house was a 
hospitable home for Friends and a pleasant resting 
place for those travelling in the service of truth, 
many of whom he accompanied from meeting to 
meeting, and also to distant parts. He occupied 
the station of an Elder for many years and filled 
other responsible stations in society, and for the last 
twenty-five years of his life, with two or three ex- 
ceptions, he represented this Quarterly Meeting 
in the Yearly Meeting. 

He was of a cheerful, noble and generous spirit ; 
it may be truly said of him that he was an affec- 
tionate husband, a kind father, a good neighbor 
and practical christian ; he manifested great care 
and kindness for the poor, in seeking out and as 

13 



l94 MBMORIAl. ')F 

sisting them to situations and employment, by 
which they might supply their own wants. 

Although his occupation was that of a farmer, 
he engaged in mercantile business, which proved 
unsuccessful, he become embarrassed to a consider- 
able amount; a compromise was effected with his 
creditors, who agreed to take up with one-half 
their just dues, which was accordingly paid; now, 
although no legal restraint lay upon him for the 
remaining one-half, he in after life satisfied all his 
creditors, and in speaking of it, said he '* could 
now sleep in peace." 

He attended the Quarterly Meeting in 1854, and 
took an active part in its business. In 8th month 
following, the death of a beloved sou, who had re- 
mained with him and on whom he depended for 
stay and support in old age, followed in a few 
weeks after by the death of a very dear daughter, 
the objects of his affection, seemed to sever the 
ties to life. He lost his vivacity, and it was seen 
he was declining, and on the I9th of the 11th 
month, his spirit was released, we doubt not, to 
unite with the spirits of the just. 



DOROTHY GOLDEN. 195 



A Testimony from Oswego Monthly Meetings 
Dutchess County, State of New York, concern- 
ing Dorothy Golden, deceased. 

She was born in the town of Washington, 
Dutchess County, and State of New York, about 
the year 1777. Her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth 
Golden, were members of the Baptist Society, and 
having a numerous family, were careful to give 
them a guarded education in their way. Dorothy, 
while young in life, went to reside for a time in a 
Friend's family and attended their meetings, by 
which means she became acquainted with Friends, 
and having requested to join them in membership, 
she was accordingly received when about eigh- 
teen years of age. Not long after this event, a 
Baptist minister came into the neighborhood, 
where he had frequent meetings among the people. 
He often on such occasions spoke much against 
the way of truth as professed by Friends, which 
in her childlike state tended greatly to unsettle 
her mind, and bring it into doubt and discourage- 
ment. Under this season of trial she wrote a re- 
signation of her right of membership, and going to 
the Monthly Meeting, laid the paper on the table 
and left the house. Some Friends followed her 



196 MEMORIAL OF 

out and kindly pressed her to return, which she 
declined, and soon afterwards was induced to sub- 
mit to water baptism. After taking this step, her 
mind became so much distressed that she only 
attended one more meeting among the Baptists. 
In this state of affliction, she sought relief in soli- 
tary places, frequently retiring to a grove near 
her father's house to pour forth her tears in secret. 
In this seeking state she was favored to see her 
mistake, and in order to obtain that peace which 
her soul sought after, she returned to the 
Monthly Meeting with which she was connected, 
and openly made an acknowledgment of her error, 
which was freely received; her resignation not 
having before been noticed by the Meeting except 
in silent sorrow. 

Having passed through many deep baptisms, 
preparing her for service in the church, she soon 
afterwards appeared in the ministry, to the satis- 
faction of Friends, and in due time her gift was 
acknowledged by the Meeting to which she be- 
longed. Her communications were generally short, 
but lively and edifying — often in a few words ex- 
pressing deeply instructive truths. She did not 
travel abroad as a minister, beyond the limits of 
the Meetings to which she belonged, excepting a 
few times to attend two or three of the neighbor- 



DOROTHY GOLDEN. 197 

ing Yearly Meetings. She was sound in doctrine, 
and honestly engaged to promote the christian 
testimonies as professed by Friends. She was 
concerned to maintain the good order of society. 
In meetings of discipline she manifested a lively 
attention to the subjects that came before them, 
frankly expressing her sentiments without waiting 
first to hear the opinions of others ; yet readily 
yielding to the sense of the Meeting, when not co- 
inciding with her own. Her example, in this res- 
pect, was edifying and instructive. She was di- 
ligent in the attendance of our religious meetings, 
and many times, especially in the latter part of her 
life, got there under great bodily infirmities. She 
acted many years on an appointment of the Yearly 
Meeting in the concern, for the welfare and im- 
provement of the Indians, in which she was a de- 
voted, efficient, untiring laborer. She was fre- 
quently employed in nursiiig the sick, to whom she 
faithfully devoted her time and attention, by day 
and by night, for their help and comfort. To the 
poor, when suffering from disease or want, she was 
an active Friend, cheerfully contributing to their 
relief, in proportion to her ability. She departed 
this life at her residence, at Oswego, Dutchess 
County, aforesaid, the 14th of 5th month, 1854, 
aged about 77 years. A minister upwards of forty 
years, and we believe that she is gathered with all 



198 MEMORIAL OF 

the generations of the just made perfect through 
tribulation. 



A Memorial of Plains Monthly Meetings concem- 
ing our friend, Sarah Coutant. late deceased. 

The precept and example of the righteous often 
prove a blessing, not only to the present but fu- 
ture generations, especially when preserved by 
records. We feel it, therefore, a duty to give 
forth the following account of this our dear de- 
parted Friend, Sarah Coutant : 

She was born the fourteenth of First-month, 
1794, in the town of New-Paltz, Ulster County, and 
State of New York. Her parents, Elias and Sarah 
De Garmo, were not members of any religious deno- 
mination, the latter dying at the time of her birth, 
the former, five months previous. She became a 
member of the family of her uncle and aunt, who 
were members of our Society ; thus she was early 
instructed in Friends' principles, and it appears 
her mind was peculiarly fitted for their reception ; 
even when young she was orderly, and a good ex- 
ample of plainnesss and christian moderation, 
which marked her course through life. 



SARAH COiJTANT. 199 

About the thirty-niDth year of her age, she 
was united in marriage with Gabriel Ooutant; 
to him she was an affectionate and devoted wife, 
and to his children a kind and watchful parent, 
having no surviving children of her own, but was 
stepmother to nine, and the youngest of these only 
five years old at the time of her marriage ; to these 
children she discharged the various and important 
duties devolving upon her, with that maternal re- 
gard and affection which caused them to acknow- 
ledge they loved her as they did their own mother. 
In addition to these, two orphan grandchildren 
subsequently became a part of her charge, and oc- 
cupied a share in her affections. 

Notwithstandiog the arduous charge of so large 
a family, still her labors of love and sympathetic 
regard were not confined to her own household, 
for the needy she relieved with no sparing hand, 
and to the sick and afflicted imparted the soothing 
balm of consolation. 

It was with pain and regret she viewed the en- 
slavement of the colored race, and the evils pro- 
duced by such a system of injustice and cruelty 
were with her a subject of deep concern and fre- 
quent remark ; expressing a conviction that the 
allwise Father was stretching out his hand for 
their deliverance, and that the days of their bond- 
age were drawing to a close. 



200 MEMORIAL OF 

She was witness to many evils resulting from 
the use of spirituous liquors, and bore a faithful 
testimony against it ; and so sensil)ly did she feel 
it her duty to avoid even the appearance of this 
evil, that she scarcely felt at liiicrty to use medi- 
cine which contained spirits. 

In our religious meetings she felt It a duty oc- 
casionally to quote some passage of scripture, 
which was generally so much to the purpose, that 
she rarely found remarks upon it necessary. 

She was a lover of silent meetings, for to her, 
through the communion of the Holy Spirit, they 
were edifying and instructive ; and she many times 
mentioned a circumstance of travelling four miles 
to attend her own meeting, found no one convened 
but herself; after taking her seat, being favored 
to witness a state of inward retirement, had thank- 
fully to acknowledge that, although her friends 
were absent, Christ, the head of tho church, was 
present, and failed not to commune with her in 
spirit : so that she could bear testimony that it 
was as good a meeting as she ever attended. 

She was concerned to encourage Friends to the 
diligent attendance of our religious meetings, how- 
ever small ; even if there be but the "two or three" 
gathered in Christ's name and power, these would 
in no wise lose their reward. 

In her deportment and manners she was reti- 



SARAH COUTANT. 201 

ring and unassuming. Occupying the station of an 
elder, she forcibly felt the responsibility attaching 
to this important service, expressing at times a 
desire, that if she was not instrumental of good 
therein, that she might be preserved from doing 
harm; audit maybe remarked, that her usefulness 
and virtues shone most conspiciously in her own 
family, the neighborhood, and among her familiar 
friends. 

For two or three years of the latter part of her 
life, by indisposition, she was prevented from the 
attendance of meetings, and at such times she was 
in the habit of having her family collected at home ; 
which gave her much enjoyment, by the renewal 
of spiritual strength. And such was her love for 
the attendance of our religious meetings, that un- 
der much bodily suffering she twice attended the 
Yearly Meeting, and several times the Quarterly 
Meeting, then held on Long Island, with much sa- 
tisfaction ; even though to her it seemed as if each 
of these meetings might be the last. 

About a year previous to her death, she pre- 
sented to each of her children a large family Bible, 
as a token of her love, remarking, that she con- 
sidered it the best treasure she could leave them. 

For the last ^ve or six mouths she was mostly 
confined to her room, and sometimes alone, ( when 
the family were engaged in their domestic con- 



202 MEMORIAL OF 

cerns;) on being asked by her husband if at such 
times she did not feel lonely, replied. '• Oh ! no ; 
such seasons are precious to me ; I have company 
better than any outward company, which ' speaks 
as never man spake.' '' 

Her health continued to decline, until it was 
evident to her friends and family that her days 
were nearly numbered, and none were more sen- 
sible of this than herself, saying that she was pre- 
pared to meet the change ; and she patiently 
awaited it, with the same calm tranquillity which 
had always marked her life. 

She gave directions concerning her interment, 
and that her coffin be plain, and without stain, 
thus evincing the importance that attaches to a 
testimony against vain show and superfluity in the 
near approach of death. 

On the eighteenth day of Fifth mouth, IS53, 
she quietly passed away — as we believe, more 
fully to realize the reward of a well-spent life — in 
the sixtieth year of her age. 



BETHANY BAREMORB. 203 

A Memorial of Oswego Monthly Meeting, concern- 
ing our esteemed friend., Bethany Baremore. 

We believe the example exhibited in the life 
and religious concern of this, our beloved friend, 
calculated to prove the sufficiency of Divine grace 
in bringing peace to the soul — therefore, feel dis- 
posed to preserve the followiDg account : 

She was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess 
County, and State of New York, the tenth of Third 
month, 1787. Her parents, Zeno and Lydia Car- 
penter, members of the Society of Friends, were 
concerned to imbue her mind with the love of piety. 
And they had the satisfaction of finding their 
solicitude rewarded, by the clear perceptions of 
the importance of living the life of the righteous. 
And she often expressed the benefit it had been to 
her of having the counsel and example of reli- 
giously concerned parents. 

She was frequently heard to remark, that when 
yoang she loved to attend meeting? in the middle 
of the week, as well asthose on first days. 

In the 19th year of her age, she united in mar- 
riage with our Friend, Henry Baremore, to whom 
she proved an affectionate and faithful helpmate, 
both in spiritual and temporal concerns. The law 
of love and kindness appeared to be the governing 



204 MBMORIAL OP 

principle of her mind, and shone conspicuously in 
her as a mother and a christian. 

She was the mother of 13 children, 11 of whom 
survived her, and though ever tender and sympa- 
thising toward them, yet she was careful in guard- 
ing them against improper indulgence. Having 
the important charge of so large a family, domestic 
concerns necessarily occupied much of her time ; 
yet these were not allowed to prevent her from 
the diligent attendance of religious meetings, and 
she was careful to have her children with her, 
evincing by her solid deportment that she was sin- 
cerely engaged to gain an inheritance in that 
" City whose builder and maker the Lord alone is." 

Her love to God was such as to produce love to 
man ; and which she found, in times of trial and 
deep proving, to be '* as an anchor to the soul, 
both sure and steadfast." 

She was very useful in our meetings for disci- 
pline, and also as an overseer, in which capacity 
she had served most of the time for thirty years, 
much to the satisfaction of her friends, and had 
filled the important station of an elder, upwards 
of twenty years. 

She was very useful in times of sickness, ever 
ready to impart the soothing balm of sympathy, 
and extend the hand of relief to the afflicted. She 
was an example of piety and virtue to her neigh- 



BETHANY BAREMORE. 205 

bors, adorning her profession by her upright walk 
among them, by whom she was much respected, 
and her loss sensibly felt. 

She was naturally cheerful, and in her conver- 
sation and remarks, often edifying and instructive. 

Although she was so tender and sympathetic to 
others in affliction, her own she bore with patience 
and resignation. Her last illness was short, so 
that she was favored to attend meetings until the 
last two, previous to her death. And as she lived 
the "life of the righteous,'' we confidently believe 
she *' died the death of the righteous," and, "as a 
shock of corn fully ripe," has been gathered into 
the heavenly garner prepared for the Lord's sanc- 
tified and redeemed children. 

She departed this life the Fifth of Fourth- 
month, 1854, in the sixty-eighth year of her age : 
and on the Seventh, after a religious meeting being 
held becoming the occasion, her remains were in- 
terred in Friends' burial ground at Oswego, Dutch- 
ess County. 



206 MEMORIAL OF 

A Memorial of Shappaqua Monthly Meeting ^ 
concerning our beloved Fiiend, Jacob L. Mott, 
deceased. 

Feeling deeply sensible of the great loss we have 
sustained in the removal, by death, of this our be- 
loved Friend, and believing the remembrance of 
those who have been examples of faithfulness to 
manifested duty, has a tendency to strengthen and 
encourage others to *' walk by the same rule and 
mind the same thing," we feel it right to prepare 
a memorial concerning him, fully believing he has 
received an entrance into that heavenly kingdom 
which is the reward of the righteous. 

He was born in the City of New York, on the 
Thirteenth of Ninth-month, 1784. His parents 
were Jacob and Deborah L. Mott, the latter a 
worthy member of our Society, who was much 
concerned for her children, and it is believed her 
example and care had a good effect upon our de- 
ceased friend. 

Although not addicted to gross evils, he was 
prone to levity and mirth ; and his testimony is 
remembered, that when returning home from such 
pastimes, the convictions of truth on his mind 
were so strong, that tears of contrition have fal- 
len from his eyes, as he passed through the streets 



JACOB L. JVIOTT, 207 

of the city, when little was to be heard but the 
watchman at his post. Early in life submitting 
to these visitations of his Heavenly Father's 
love, he was drawn to attend the Meetings of 
Friends ; and he writes of himself, as a brand 
plucked from the burning, and a monument of the 
mercy of God. 

He was married on the sixth of Eighth-month, 
1806, to Hannah Riker, with whom he lived in 
great harmony and mutual affection for fifty years. 
It may be truly said of him, he was an affection- 
ate husband, a tender parent, and a kind neighbor, 
being cheerful in his deportment and upright in 
his dealings among men ; he was much beloved by 
those who knew him. 

He was received a member of New York Month- 
ly Meeting, at his own request, in the Fourth- 
month, 1§07, being in the twenty-third year of 
his age. 

It appears to have been his practice to commit 
to writing some of the exercises of his mind, on 
various subjects, and we believe nothing can de- 
scribe him more pertinently than some extracts 
from them. 

After taking the responsibilities of a family, 
and entering into business, he says : " I had many 
close trials, besetments and temptations, in which 
my religious faith was closely tried. I now see 



208 MEMORIAL OF 

very clearly that many, or at least some of the 
difficulties and troubles that I have experienced 
might have been avoided, bad I always attend- 
ed to the revelations of the spirit of Truth in my 
younger years ; they were brought about by my 
unfaithfulness ; I wandered from my inward guide, 
and was almost forgetful of the day of my espou- 
sal. But blessed be Israel's God ; thanksgiving 
and praise be ascribed unto him, although I wand- 
ered from the fold and went into the wilderness, 
he followed me, and kept close to me, and, giving 
me strength to resist temptation, preserved me 
from falling into the hands of the enemy, and thus 
renewed my faith, enabling me to bear up the tes- 
timonies of our Society. Although a part of the 
time I resided out of the city, I seldom missed 
attending a Meeting, notwithstanding I had to row 
a boat ten miles to get there, and sometimes re- 
turned the same day." 

In the summer of 1814, he settled within the 
compass of this Monthly Meeting, and became a 
member of it, by certificate, and when health per- 
mitted, was diligent in attending Meeting, although 
living nearly ten miles from it. In recording the 
faithfulness and perseverance of our dear Friend, 
in this particular, we desire not to eulogize him^ 
but to stimulate others to press through difficulties 
in the performance of this reasonable duty. 



JACOB L. MOTT. 209 

Having experienced the benefits resulting from 
an early dedication to the service of his Divine 
Master, he was often deeply, concerned for the 
welfare of others, and sometimes in Meetings it 
seemed right for him to express it; but feeling that 
the call, and qualification, for the solemn work of 
the ministry are of God, he put it off from time to 
time, until about the thirty-first year of his age, 
when, in a public Meeting at Shappaqua, he ap- 
peared in supplication for the preservation of him- 
self and the assembly, under the weight of which 
he was deeply humbled, keeping in view the testi- 
mony of our Holy Pattern, " my doctrine is not 
mine, but his that sent me." His communications 
were sound and edifying. He experienced the 
sustaining hand of Almighty Goodness, to be as a 
wall of defense around about him, preserving him 
in the faith, for which he was concerned earnestly 
to contend. His ministry was acknowledged, and 
he was recommended as a member of the Meeting 
of ministers and elders, in 1830. *^This," he says, 
** again increased my responsibility, as now I was 
at liberty, if I felt a concern to visit Friends of 
other Meetings, to open it to the Monthly Meet- 
ing." Feeling himself a monument of mercy, 
raised up in order to proclaim the goodness and 
mercy of God, he endeavored to stir up the pure 
mind in others, by testifying of his grace, the word 

14 



210 MEMniUAL OF 

nigh in the heart, and in the mouth. He was fre- 
quently concerned to visit Meetings, in our own 
and neighboring Yearly Meetings, we believe to 
the satisfaction of his Friends, and it is evident 
he realized the truth of his own language, " that 
the Good Master never sends his servants out in 
their own strength, but amply supplies wisdom out 
of his inexhaustible treasury.'* 

He was zealous for the maintenance of good 
order and the right administration of our disci- 
pline, being deeply concerned for the prosperity 
of our Society. 

Earnest and affectionate were his appeals to the 
rising generation, to come forward in faithfulness 
to the requisitions of their Heavenly Father. 

•* On you,*' he writes, *' must depend the future 
prosperity and character of our Society. If you 
are faithful, some of you *ere long will be called 
to fill prominent stations in the militant church. 
It is therefore peculiarly necessary that you should 
be established in the great principles of the chris- 
tian religion, in which is involved your own wel- 
fare, and that of your fellow men, who at times 
may be adopting the language * who shall show 
us any good V If you examine history, you will 
find, in all ages, it has been those who have been 
faithful to the light of Christ within, that have 
been made instruments in the hand of God, in 






JACOB L. MOTT. 211 

gathering to the churcb. Be faithful in the little, 
and you shall be made rulers over more, and, 
under the guidance of the good and Heavenly Pi- 
lot, you will be enabled to avoid those rocks, 
quicksands, and shoals upon which many have 
been shipwrecked." 

He was concerned that the young should be con- 
vinced that there was no gloom in religion. '•' I 
would hold it up," he says, *' as that which is so 
lovely in itself as to make it attractive and invit- 
ing, as something which will enable us to over- 
come every besetting sin, and elevate our condi- 
tion, step by step, in the scale of improvement, 
until we become united with the inhabitants of 
that city, which needs not the light of the sun nor 
of the moon to shine in it, ' for the glory of God 
doth enlighten it, and the Lamb is the light 
thereof.^ " 

He was exercised in regard to a disposition in 
some, to pervert the scriptures of truth, and con- 
cerned that a right estimate should be set upon 
them. His testimony left in writing is, '^ As we 
attend to the same principle which inspired holy 
men of old, who wrote them, our understanding 
will be opened, and we shall see a beauty and ex- 
cellency in them, which we cannot find by pervert- 
ing them ; we shall not be undervaluing nor over- 
rating them ; we shall consider them as testimo- 



212 MEMORIAL OF 

nies corroborative of those spiritual truths which 
are sealed on our minds, by the impress of the 
Divine Spirit." 

He vs'as frecjuently invited to attend funerals of 
those not in membership with us, and being con- 
cerned to improve every right opening, and to fulfil 
what he believed to be his mission to his fellow 
men, he frequently found it his duty to go, often 
travelling many miles to accomplish it. Although 
he often felt the weakness and infirmities of the 
flesh to be many, and the conflicts of the spirit to 
be great, yet, at times, he could feelingly rejoice 
that an interest was mercifully granted through 
Him ** who giveth the victory over all, and that 
the Lamb Immaculate is still redeeming out of 
every nation, tongue, and people, and adding to 
his Church Triumphant, those whose names shall 
be recorded in the book of life, because they sub- 
mitted to His government/' 

Some time previous to his last illness he wrote 
as follows : — " There are many sudden removals, 
and I am ofteu unwell : if I should be suddenly 
taken away, I have wished that my family might 
know the comfortable feelings my mind partakes 
of. Oh ! how I am filled with the goodness of 
God to overflowing, so as to raise the sensation of 
Holy! Holy! Holy! Hallelujah to Israel's Shep- 
herd ! Oh I glorious state ! Oh ! blessed abode ! 



JACOB L. MOTT. 213 

When, oil ! when shall I be there ] These feel- 
ings bring with them a complete surrender of all 
selfishness. All centres in the Divine Will. What- 
ever attachment to the world, however strong the 
family ties, the love of the Heavenly Father ab- 
sorbs them all. His will is bowed to in humble 
submission of soul, and the acknowledgment is, 
Thou knowest best what to bestow or what to 
withhold. Thy will be done." 

The tender, affectionate solicitude he felt for 
his children is made manifest by the following, 
which was written in the 60th year of his age : 

*' It is the desire of your father, that you attend 
to the impressions of the spirit of God, made upon 
your minds from time to time ; be assured as you 
attend to these impressions, you will become more 
and more acquainted with the teachings of the 
Grace of God, that brings salvation from sin, and 
the defilements of the human heart. I most ten- 
derly solicit you as a dear father, to yield to its 
teachings. Be not ashamed to acknowledge your- 
selves under its government, although it will lead 
you out of the world's customs, because it stands 
in opposition to the spirit of the world— it is to 
prepare the immortal soul, to dwell in the courts 
of Heaven, through an endless eternity ; and not 
only to prepare for enjoyment beyond the grave, 
but to qualify yojx to live as you ought, while here 



21^14 MEMORIAL OP 

CD earth. It will enable you to love one another, 
to do good to all men, to be kind to all placed un- 
der your care, and increase your desire for the re- 
lief of the oppressed. It will increase your love 
for religious meetings ; you will not be ashamed 
to wear a plain dress ; you will be willing to fol- 
low the example of the Son of God. 

** If you reject the religion which God reveals 
in the heart, by the teachings of His Spirit, you 
never can obtain any but that which is the work 
of the systems of men. These can rise no higher 
than their fountain, but the teachings of the grace 
of God will lead to God. Attend to it, and it will 
lead you from many sorrows. Be not deceived. 
Happiness does not consist in the abundance of the 
possessions of the things of this world. There- 
fore, be mure concerned to live a life of dedication 
to your Divine Master, than to get riches. Oh! at- 
tend strictly to the injunction, * Seek first the king- 
dom of God and his righteousness, and all these 
things shall be added unto you ' Confiding in this 
promise, and putting your trust in the Lord, bless- 
ings will descend upon your labors. He who 
blessed Jacob and Joseph, will most assuredly 
bless you." 

His last illness was lingering, but he manifest- 
ed much patience and resignation throughout, be- 
ing clothed with love and good will to all. 



I 



JACOB L. MOTT. 215 

Under date Fourth-month 27th, 1856, he ad- 
dressed his family, in writing as follows : 

" When I was first taken sick I thought it might 
be my last sickness. I have given the subject a 
very careful investigation, and believe an entrance 
will be mercifully granted me, into that City de- 
scribed as ' having walls of salvation, and whose 
gates are praise.' I discover nothing in my way. 
He who is all wisdom, is also all power. If He 
has a work for me to perform. He will raise me 
up for the performance of it, for He knows I am 
ready and willing. I discover nothing worth living 
for, but to glorify His blessed name. If I am taken 
away suddenly, do not harbor the idea that it was 
in an unexpected moment, for 1 have been, and 
am watching the time as if it were at hand. You 
have manifested the greatest kindness towards 
me ; you have done all in your power to make me 
comfortable ; for which, I trust, you will be re- 
warded. When the time of separation comes, 
resign me cheerfully, submit to the dispensation 
as ordered of God, who does all things in his in- 
scrutable wisdom for good." He requested that 
the testimony to plainness and simplicity should 
be carried out in his person even to the grave ; 
that his cofSn should be the natural color of the 
wood, and not varnished, and that no stone or 
monument should be placed at his grave, 



2IG MEMORIAL OF 

In a letter to a Friend, dated Fifth-month 7th, 
1856, he says, *• If any Friends ask concerning 
rae, inform them I hold the truth as professed by 
Friends, as dear as ever; that my desires and 
prayers ascend for its increase, that it may grow 
bright through us, as a professing people, and it 
will shine more and more as we mind the light." 

On one of his friends laking leave of him, he 
said, *'Be faithful to the requirings of thy 
Heavenly Father, for at such a time as this it will 
afford more peace than all else beside." Being 
visited by his numerous friends, he continued to 
bear similar testimonies, while able to write or 
converse, giving evidence to the last that Divine 
Goodness was his support. 

The last three weeks of his life he was nearly 
deprived of speech by paralysis, yet his last words 
were, "peace, peace, sweet peace, ready, waiting." 
evincing the truth of the declaration, ' Blessed is 
that serv Aut whom, when his Lord cometh, is found 
ready ; d waiting." 

He ('' ed on the 28th of Eio^hth-month, 1856, in 
the 72nd year of his age, and we feel an assur- 
ance that his immortal spirit is centered in that 
glorified state, of which he had a foretaste, when 
he could ascribe hallelujah to Israel's God. 

His remains were taken to the Meeting House 
at Shappaqua and interred, after a large and so- 



AMY DILLINGHAM. 217 

lemn meeting, in which several testimonies were 
borne to his circumspect life, and dedication to 
his Master's cause; and the feeling that we had 
lost a beloved friend and father in the church, 
seemed to pervade every mind. 



A Memorial concerning our Friend Amy Dil- 
LL\GHAM,yr{??72 the MoutJily Meeting of Danhy. 

The memory of our deceased friend remains 
to be precious, and we hope that a brief account 
of her religious experience may prove an incentive 
to others, to lend a listening ear to the same Coun- 
sellor, who supported and directed her through 
many afflictive dispensations, and brought her to 
acknowledge the goodness of Israel's unslumber- 
ing Shepherd. 

She was the daughter of Abram and Deborah 
Tucker, and was born the Fifteenth of Ninth- 
month, 177f>, at Shappaqua, Westchester County, 
New York; her parents were members of our re- 
ligious Society, and were concerned to impress on 
the minds of their children a love for its principles. 

On the IVentieth of Eleventh-month, 1794, she 



218 MEMORIAL OF 

was united in marriage with Stephen Dillingham, 
after which they removed to Granville, and be- 
came members of our Monthly Meeting, where she 
spent the remainder of her days. 

By yielding to the influence of her Heavenly 
Father's love, she became desirous that others 
might come and taste of His Goodness ; she had 
learned that to obtain the crown, there must be a 
submission to the cross of Christ, and by abiding 
in humility and self denial she became qualified to 
instruct others. Her gift in the ministry was ac- 
knowledged about the year 1810. 

The following are extracts from memorandums 
left by her. 

**0h ! the fear I feel lest I should become luke- 
warm and forget the God of my life. As it seems 
to be my lot to pass through many trials and af- 
flictions, I desire I may ever keep humble and 
low, begging of Him who is able to give me 
patience to endure them without a murmuring 
thought, believing all things will work together 
for the good of those who love and fear him.'* 

*' 0, Thou most Holy One. be pleased, I pray 
Thee, to create in me a clean heart, and renew 
a right spirit within me ; yea, I crave it more 
than corn, wine or oil ; 0, Thou who art adorable 
in goodness, cleanse and purify my heart, so that 



AMY DILLINGHAM. 219 

I may become a clean vessel, fit for Thee to 
dwell in." 

She manifested a deep interest for the welfare of 
our Society — a love for its principles and testimo- 
nies was evinced by a daily concern for their sup- 
port, which did not abate in the decline of life. 
Expressing, ** it seems to me I am soon to leave, 
and if I could see more coming up and filling these 
ranks in righteousness, how it would rejoice my 
spirit.'' 

She was an affectionate mother, governing her 
children in the spirit of love; and although she 
witnessed the severing of that cord which bound 
some of them to earth, she murmured not at the 
dispensation of Providence, but continued her 
guardian care over the remainder of her family, 
often, very often admonishing and encouraging 
them to live in the fear of the Lord, and in an ob- 
servance of the discipline of our Society, which 
she believed would help to preserve them from 
many snares they might otherwise fall into. 

With the concurrence of her friends she per- 
formed several religious visits to other Meetings, 
and the families composing them, administering 
consolation to the afliicted, and endeavoring to 
arouse those to greater diligence who were resting 
as upon beds of ease. It was her practice frequent- 
ly when in social gatherings, to seek for the harmon- 



220 MEMORIAL OP 

ising influence of heavenly love, and after all were 
brought into solemn silence, words have flowed 
from her lips, comparable to the distilling dew up- 
on the tender plants to the refreshing thereof 

We believe she was one to whom the parable 
would apply, both spiritually and temporally, 
** When I was an hungered ye gave me meat, 
thirsty and ye gave me drink, a stranger and ye 
took me in ;" for from her beneficent hand many 
have been made partakers of the good things of 
this life, as the destitute had a large claim upon 
her sympathy. 

She was taken sick the twenty-seventh of Fifth 
month, 1856 : her disorder was paralysis, which 
for a time deprived her of the power of speech ; 
but on a partial recovery from this state she ap- 
peared sensible, and seemed desirous of feeling a 
greater assurance, when time should be no more 
with her, of entering into that City that needeth 
not the light of the sun or the moon to enlighten 
it ; which in due time was granted, and a clear 
evidence furnished; in allusion to which, she says, 
** I have prayed oftener than the morning, to know 
whether there is a place prepared for me, but have 
not been favored to see until now ; but now I know 
there is a seat all clear and white. I wish you 
could all see what I see/' Whi^e able to speak, 
much salutary counsel was given to those present, 



TIMOTHY FARRINGTON. 221 

who witnessed her exemplary patience through 
great bodily suffering. She often expressed, 
'*There is not a cloud in my way,'' and in ecstacy of 
joy said, *'do not hold me, do not keep me;" and 
after giving a message, she said, "my work is done." 
She continued until the sixteenth of Eighth month, 
1856, when she yielded her spirit in calm resigna- 
tion, aged about 81 years. 



A Memorial of Oswego Monthly Meeting, concern- 
ing our beloved Friend^ Timothy Farrington, 
deceased. 

He was born in North Salem, Westchester 
County, State of New York, the twenty-third of 
Second month, 1775. His parents were Edward 
and Phebe Farrington, members of the Society of 
Friends. 

He removed and settled in the village of Pleas- 
ant Valley, Dutchess County, in 1807, where he 
resided the remainder of his days. Of his early 
life we have but little account, except that given 
by himself; in reference to which he was often 
led to commemorate the goodness of his Heavenly 
Father, in plucking him ''as a brand from the 
burning," esteeming himself as one of the least in 
his Father's house. 



L 



222 MKMOKIAL OK 

By taking heed to the visitations of Divine love, 
he witnessed the salutary and powerful efiFect 
thereof, inciting to piety and virtue — thus prepar- 
ing him for the reception and discharge of a 
Gospel mission to his fellow men. Being intrusted 
with a gift in the ministry, he was careful to move 
therein under the pointings of truth, with a single 
eye to the glory of God, giving evidence of his 
dependance upon that immediate direction and 
baptizing power which alone qualifies for a right 
discharge of so important a trust. That it may 
be truly said of him, '' his preaching was not in the 
enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the demon- 
stration of the Spirit/' 

His travels in the ministry were not extensive ; 
he however, visited neighboring Quarterly Meet- 
ings, especially Westbury and Purchase, also the 
subordinate meetings generally. 

He was often concerned to advise Friends against 
the perusal of pernicious books, and to beware of 
the vain, changing, and corrupt customs of the 
world, urging the propriety of maintaining the an- 
cient testimony of the Society, in relation to plain- 
ness of dress, language, household furniture, and 
the general observance of Christian simplicity and 
moderation in the use of temporal things — and his 
example in these respects, corresponded therewith. 

He was a diligent attender of our Religious 



TIMOTHY FARRINGTON, 223 

Meetings ; and attending the Yearly Meeting in 
New York, held Fifth month, 1857. then in his 
eighty-third year, observed on his return home, that 
he had enjoyed the meeting — -that it had been 
satisfactory and comforting; thus evincing the 
Divine hand had been near to bless, and that he 
was preserved green in old age, and unabated in 
his interest and concern, for the promotion of the 
Christian cause, in which he had been so long en- 
gaged. 

Soon after returning from the Yearly Meeting 
he was taken ill ; his sickness was short, but en- 
dured with patience and resignation, often express- 
ing gratitude for the goodness of God towards him, 
a poor worm of the dust, and that his heart was 
filled with love to the whole human family, and 
felt his work was done, and that he should soon 
enter into the rest prepared for the righteous. 
Thus ended the pilgrimage of our esteemed friend, 
with an assurance and foretaste of the joys of the 
world to come, leaving to survivors an encoura- 
ging death-bed testimony, to the power and excel- 
lency of that Gospel principle, which qualifies all 
its votaries, to live the life and die the death of 
the righteous. 

He departed this life the twenty-first of Seventh 
month, 1857. The interment took place the 23d, 
on which occasion a large and solemn meeting was 



224 MEMOKIAL OF 

held, and divers testimonies borne to his long- 
devoted life in the Lord's cause. 



A Memorial of Purchase Montkly Meeting, con- 
ccrning our beloved Friend, Alice W. Burling, 
deceased. 

To commemorate the acts of the righteous who 
have departed this life, may be due to their me- 
mory, and prove useful and encouraging to the 
rising generation. 

The subject of this memoir was the daughter 
of Samuel and Molly Whiting, and was born at 
Darien, in the State of Connecticut, third of Fourth 
month, 1803. When young in life, she was exem- 
plary in her dress and deportment, and by yield- 
ing to the influence of her Heavenly Father's love, 
she learned, that to obtain the Crown, there must 
be a submission to the Cross of Christ ; and abid- 
ing in humility, she became qualified to encour- 
age others in faithfulness. 

She was united in marriage with Samuel Bur- 
ling, of Purchase, Westchester County, State of 
New York, on the thirteenth of Fourth month, 
1842. 

She was, for a long period, an Overseer of the 
meeting to which she belonged, and also filled the 



ALICE W. BURLIAG. 225 

important station of an Elder many years. She 
was very serviceable in our Meetings for discipline, 
being well qualified for transacting the affairs of the 
Church, and concerned for the proper government 
and comely order thereof. She was quick of dis- 
cernment and sound in judgment, and we feel that 
society has sustained, in her removal, a great loss. 
She was faithful in the attendance of religious 
meetings, where she frequently felt it her duty to 
offer the word of encouragement to others. She 
also bore her testimony against the use of slave 
labor, by example and precept. 

The sick and afflicted received a large share of 
her care and attention, and she was ever ready to 
impart the soothing balm of sympathy, and extend 
the helping hand of relief; in her death the poor 
and destitute have lost a charitable and sympa- 
thizing friend. 

The following are extracts from memorandums 
left by her : 

*• First month, 1820. Oh! may I be found 
doing my duty in whatever path I am led. Christ 
hath said, ' my yoke is easy and my burthen it is 
light.' 

" The Lord is able to bless the endeavors of 
the weakest worm to promote his cause. To Him 
be glory, praises, and honor forevermore, for He 
will require nothing of us, if we rightly seek, but 

15 



226 MKMORIAL tiF 

what He will enal)le us to perform. What en- 
couragement to persevere in the path of appointed 
duty, however trying it may at first appear; and 
all who deviate from the path of true simplicity, 
and run after other forms and notions, will find 
they have sold their birth-rigbt for nothing more 
than a mess of pottage. 

** Twenty-fifth of First mouth, 1831. Oh ! that 
I may be enabled to yield all up, in full dedication 
of heart, unto Him who alone is worthy to have 
dominion. The way is strait, and the Cross 
often appears hard to my selfish disposition ; but 
have I not experienced, from my early life, that 
there is peace and joy in submission ? 

" 1838. I feel the great necessity of watchful- 
ness. If the mind is suflFered to be continually oc- 
cupied with the cares of this life, how can any pro- 
gress be made in religious experience ? I greatly 
desire to be more watchful, that so I may fulfil 
the end of my being ; that when the last summons 
shall arrive, that * time to thee shall be no longer,' 
I may be prepared to receive it with joy, in full 
assurance of neverending bliss." 

And according to her desire, we believe that she 
has realized an entrance into that *'City that 
needeth not the light of the sun or the moon to en- 
lighten it, but the Lord God and the Lamb is the 
light thereof." 



ALICE W. BURLING. 227 

Her death was unexpected ; having prepared 
herself as usual on First-day morning for Meeting, 
she became suddenly indisposed, but for two or 
three days her family did not consider her danger- 
ously ill. She expressed to her sister '* that it was 
hid from her how it would terminate, but let it be 
as it would, it would be for the best." 

On fourth day a Friend called to see her upon 
her return from Meeting, to whom she said, '' I 
have had an excellent meeting here in my room, 
and in spirit I was with you." That night a 
change took place, and her disease assuming an 
alarming form, her reason became obscured; she 
continued until first-day morning, the fourteenth 
of Second month, 1858, when she ceased to breathe, 
aged 54 years and 10 months. 

Stricken down whilst in the enjoyment of health, 
and to all human foresight many years of useful- 
ness in reserve for her, this lesson should forcibly 
impress on the minds of her survivors the neces- 
sity of preparing for so great a change while op- 
portunity is mercifully granted. 

Her funeral took place the sixteenth of Second 
month, at Purchase Meeting House, where a 
solemn and interesting meeting was held on the 
occasion. 



228 MEMORIAL OF 



A Memorial of Purchase Monthly Meeting, con* 
ceming our beloved Friend, Ann C. Haviland, 
deceased. 

She was the daughter of James and Charlotte 
Cromwell, of the Town of Mcnroe, Orange County, 
State of New York, where they settled soon after 
their marriage, when the country was new. 

There being no Friends' Meeting near them, 
and feeling it a great privation not to be able to 
meet for religious worship, they believed it their 
duty to hold meetings in their house, and for a 
length of time a Friends* Meeting was accordingly 
held there, and through faithfulness to the light of 
Christ manifested in them, they lived to enjoy a 
Meeting established near them. They being very 
exemplary in their walk through life, manifested 
an unremitting concern for their children, that they 
might choose the Lord for their portion, and the 
God of Jacob for the lot of their inheritance. 

The subject of this memoir was born the six- 
teenth of Fourth month, 1797. She was married 
the twenty-eighth of Ninth month, 1816, to John 
Haviland, of Harrison, Westchester County, 
New York, to which place she removed and settled 
with her husband, and became a member of Pur- 
chase Monthly Meeting. She was an affectionate 



ANN C. HAVILAND„ 229 

wife, a tender mother, and a good counsellor in 
the varied duties of life. Occupying the station 
of an Elder, her example, in connection with lan- 
guage of encouragement, has often been felt to 
stimulate others to press forward towards the 
mark of the prize of the high calling of God, 
through faith in Christ ; and her countenance 
and solid deportment in our religious Meetings 
evinced that her mind was engaged in spiritual 
^worship. 

She was concerned for the faithful support of 
our Christian discipline, holding, for many years, 
the important station of an Overseer ; and the ad- 
vice given to her children, and to those with whom 
she mingled, will long be remembered. She was 
of a mild and cheerful disposition, and fond of so- 
cial intercourse. 

She was taken ill on third-day evening, the 
tenth of Eleventh month, 1857. The violence of 
the disease, attended with great bodily suffering, 
prostrated her physical strength in a very short 
time. Being sensible she could not continue long, 
she desired those who were gatjiered around her, 
to be reconciled to give her up, and to strive to be 
in readiness for a time like that, as she was then 
realizing the value of being prepared and resigned 
to obey the call of her Heavenly Father. 

She continued until fifth-day morning, when 



230 MUMORIAL OP 

she quietly departed this lifc\ being in the 61st 
year of her age. 

Although in the vigor of life, and in the midst 
of her usefulness, this, our dear friend, has been 
called from works to rewards. We have the com- 
forting belief that our loss is her eternal gain, and 
that she is permitted to participate with all those 
who have washed their robes, and made them 
white in the blood of the Lamb. 

Her remains were interred the fourteenth of 
Eleventh month, in Friends' burying ground at 
Purchase, after a large and solemn Meeting held 
in the Meeting House for the occasion. 



A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of New 
York, concerning our beloved Friend^ Caroline 
WiLLETS, deceased. 

Believing that " The path of the just is as a 
shining light, that shineth more and more, unto 
the perfect day," we feel concerned that the ex- 
emplary life, and peaceful close, of our beloved 
Friend, Caroline' Willets, should be briefly held 
up to view, in order that survivors may be en- 
couraged to follow her, as she endeavored to '* fol- 
low Christ." 

She was born at Flushing, Long Island, the 



CAROLINE WiLLETS. 231 

twenty-sixth day of Seventh-month, 1794. Her 
parents were George and Elizabeth Farrington, 
who were concerned to give her a guarded edu- 
cation, and to impress upon her youthful mind, the 
importance of a strict attention to that '* monitor 
within," which would teach her, *' as never^an 
taught." 

Her mother, who had been convinced of our 
principles, and admitted into membership with us, 
felt o.oncerned that her children should be par- 
takers of the same privileges ; and they were in 
their minority, at her request, likewise received 
into membership. 

About the twentieth year of her age, she was vi- 
sited with an illness, so severe, that her recovery 
was considered doubtful ; but He, who is the Great 
''Physician of value," saw meet, in his loving 
kindness and mercy, to raise her up again, doubt- 
less with a design for future usefulness in His ser- 
vice. Although up to this time, her life had been 
one of much innocency, yet it was during this 
period of suffering, that she was awakened to see 
the need she had of a Saviour, and the necessity of 
taking up her cross to the fascinating pleasures of 
the world, and to follow in the path of self denial, 
Him, who thenceforth became to her, " the chief- 
est among ten thousand, and altogether lovely." 

In the year 1828, she was married to Amos 



232 MKMOKIAL OK 

WilletvS, of this city, anil soon after became a 
member of this Monthly Meeting. 

Here, by continuinj,^ faithful to the requisitions 
of her Heavenly Father, made known in the secret 
of the heart, she became increasingly useful in the 
Society, tilling at differriit periods, some of the 
most important offices in the Church. 

She possessed an active and benevolent dispo- 
sition, often visiting the widow and the orphan, 
and those in attliction, imparting to them, the 
soothing language of comfort and consolation, and 
from her earthly substance, ministering to their 
wants ; and of this class, we believe there are 
many, who " can rise up and call her blessed." 

The principles and testimonies of our Society, 
were peculiarly dear to her ; and ardent were 
her desires, that all who profess with us, might be 
found faithfully maintaining them to the world. 

She highly valued the scriptures of Truth, be- 
ing a firm believer in them ; and concerned to en- 
courage the frequent reading of them by all, but 
especially the young, being sensible from her own 
experience, of the benefit to be derived, from a 
careful and solid perusal of those precious and 
invaluable records. 

In the attendance of religious Meetings, she was 
a bright example, being rarely absent from them, 
except through indisposition of body ; and when 



I 



CAROLINE WILLETS. 233 

there, often giving evidence, that she had met with 
the ** beloved of souls ;'' and she could on her re- 
turn, testify, that He, whom she endeavored to 
serve, was not '* a hard Master," but on the con- 
trary, a rich rewarder of all who diligently seek 
and serve Him. 

For a long period, the house of her husband 
and herself, was a home for their numerous Friends 
visitiug this city. With many of these, who were 
travelling in the work of the Ministry, and who, 
at times, were bowed under a sense of the great- 
ness of the work before them, she deeply sympa- 
thised ; and great was her concern, that they 
might keep a single eye to the pointiugs of Truth, 
and be found faithful watchmen '' On the walls 
of Zion." 

With her friend Rachel Hicks:, in her religious 
engagements, she had near unity, and often ac- 
companied her in her visits of love, in this and 
other Yearly Meetings. And although in feeble 
health, at the time, it was from a sense of reli- 
gious duty, that she left her home the twenty-first 
of Twelfth-month last, to be absent for a short 
period, as companion to this her beloved friend, 
who was about to pay a visit in gospel love, to 
the families and Friends in Philadelphia. This 
visit was entered upon accordingly, when on the 
evening of the third day after her arrival, (having 



234 MEMORIAL OF 

attended the three Monthly Meetings in that city, 
and made nearly twenty visits,) she was attacked 
with, what ultimately proved to be, Pneumonia. 

Here, at the house of her kind Friends, Samuel 
and Mary Caley, she received every attention, 
that afifection, and kindness suggested. But from 
the first of her illness, she suffered so greatly from 
debility, that it was exceedingly difficult for her 
to converse much ; her remarks however, gave evi- 
dence, that her faith was unwavering, and that 
He, who had hitherto been her support, was still 
with her, in this hour of proving and trial. 

On the First-day morning after her attack, she 
said, '* I feel as I lie here, that peace, which the 
world can neither give, nor take away. In vain do 
the votaries of fashion seek to obtain it in their 
round of folly ; it is only to be found in a close 
walk with God, and in living under the circum- 
scribing influence of his Holy Spirit." 

So far from questioning the wisdom of that dis. 
pensation, which had laid her upon a bed of suffer- 
ing, (believing that her steps were ordered of the 
Lord,) she found it " sweet to lie passive in his 
hands," and expressed no yearnings for home — 
no wish to be in other circumstances than those 
in which His providence had placed her. 

Under this feeling, she one day exclaimed, '• Oh ! 
how good the Lord is — my lines have indeed fal- 



CAROLINE WILLETS. 235 

len in pleasant places — I am surrounded with 
every comfort— I have the best and kindest of 
nurses. How good the Lord is, 

'' Good when He gives — supremely good, 
Nor less when He denies, 
Even crosses from His sov'reign hand, 
Are blessings in disguise." 

While receiving some kind attention from the 
hand of a beloved friend, she observed, *'0h! 
how grateful I feel for my many blessings. How 
little true happiness there is in this life, without 
a feeling of gratitude, for the many blessings we 
enjoy.'' 

It being remarked by a friend who was standing 
by, ''that it was pleasant to witness the sweet 
composure of her spirit, under the trying circum- 
stances, in which she was placed," she answered 
in the beautiful language of the poet, 

" What cannot resignation do. 

It wonders can perform ; 

That powerful charm, ' Thy will be done,' 

Can lay the loudest storm." 

And added, *' This I have endeavored after, 
that I may ever be able to say, whether in heigths, 
or in depths, ' Thy will be done.'" 

While lying at another time, apparently absorb- 
ed in deep inward communion, she broke forth as 



236 MEMORIAL i)V 

follows: — "Return unto thy rest, Oh! my soul, 
for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." 
" When this is the language of the heart, it is 
as the crown of life." 

On Fourth-day morning she thus addressed a 
young friend, who was sitting by her bedside* 
** My dear, I want to encourage thee to be faithful, 
and thou mayest yet have to go about (like dear 
Rachel) from house to house, as a preacher of 
righteousness. With thy talents, thou mayest yet 
become au ornament, and a pillar in the Church ; 
but they must be sanctified, and laid upon His 
Holy Altar, who looks not to the head, but to the 
heart. Many a vessel is I believe, marred upon 
the wlieel, for want of faithfulness. Keep a single 
eye to the Truth, and be ready to hear and obey." 

That love, which is the badge of true disciple- 
ship, overflowed her soul, and was visible to all 
who approached her. In the midst of suffering, 
she had a pleasant smile, a kind word, or a tender 
admonition for all. On one occasion, she said to 
those around her, " You seem like ministering 
angles, you watch over me so tenderly." 

On Sixth-day evening, the thirty-first of 
Twelfth-month, she seemed to be sinking rapidly, 
and as her friends gathered around her, to witness 
what they believed to be the closing scene, she 
spoke very audibly, and dictated several messages 



CAROLINE WILLETS. 237 

of love for the absent members of her family. 
In referring to her son, she said, " Give my love 
to him, and tell him, that if he will give his heart 
to the Lord, He will save him with an everlasting 
salvation. He knows the way, let it be his first 
thought in the morning, and his last in the eve- 
ning, to look to his Heavenly Father, As the 
mountains are round about Jerusalem, so will the 
Lord be round about him." 

Alluding to her grandson, she said, '* Tell him 
to look to the Lord, and He will preserve him;" 
and after a pause, she continued, '' I am thinking 
of my nephews. 0, that they may do nothing, for 
which they will feel condemnation when they are 
laid upon a death-bed, for they will find it to be 
truly a detector of the heart." 

To her brother-in-law, who remarked, '* that it 
was hard to part with one so near and dear as 
she was, she replied, ''It is as thou say est, hard 
to part, but so it is, we do indeed love one another 
— the hand of the destroyer, has never been suf- 
fered to mar our peace; he has never found a 
pl^ce in our midst. I love every body, and I love 
the Lord Jesus, and He will care for me. I feel 
nothing in my way, dear brother — all is peace. I 
have done my day's work in the day time. I 
have not been called to espouse the cause of 
Righteousness publicly, but I have been called to 



238 MEMORIAL OF 

a life of consistency : some plead the example of 
others, as an excuse for their unfaithfulness, but 
' what is that to thee, follow thou me/*' 

She observed, that the prospect of a separation 
from her husband, was like '* dividing joint from 
joint'* — but she continued, I want to say, **not 
my will Oh Lord, but thine be done," and present- 
ly added, "He sufifereth not a sparrow to fall to 
the ground, without His notice." 

On Seventh-day the crisis of her disease seemed 
to have passed, and there was a slight prospect 
that she would rally, but this hope, while it cheer- 
ed the hearts of those who watched her, did not 
elate or unsettle her. She had not from the first, 
expressed any anxiety as to the result of her ill- 
ness. *' I feel entire peace," was her language, 
*' let it terminate as it may." Peace seems indeed 
to be the only suitable expression to represent the 
sweet unruffled state of her mind. Her hope being 
anchored on the •' Rock of Ages," was not to be 
shaken by external circumstances. In her expe- 
rience, the declaration was abundantly verified, 
that, -'the work of righteousness shall be peace, 
and the eflFect of righteousness, quietness and as- 
surance forever. We serve a kind Master," she 
said, *• He is not an austere man, reaping where 
He has not sown, and gathering where He has not 
strewn." 






CAROLINE WILLETS. 239 

On the Seventh-day morning, she said to Ra- 
chel Hicks, who came to bid her farewell for the 
day, *' Go and be faithful to thy work" — and to 
another friend, she said at parting, '* Dear John, 
farewell ; be faithful, hold on thy way." 

The promise of amendment which she had given 
on Seventh-day, was of short duration. On First- 
day, she relapsed into her former state of weak- 
ness and suffering, and thenceforward continued 
to fail until the end. On the morning of her de- 
cease, she called to her bed-side a friend who had 
watched with her during the night, and said em- 
phatically, " I see that there is a mansion pre- 
pared for me," which were the last audible words 
that she uttered. 

From this time she lay apparently without much 
suffering, gradually breathing shorter and shorter, 
until about ten o'clock on fourth-day morning, the 
fifth of First-month, being in the sixty-fifth year 
of her age. Her purified spirit was, we doubt not, 
permitted to enter '' into that city, whose Walls 
are Salvation, and whose Gates are Praise." 

Her funeral took place from Hester street 
Meeting House in this city, on the 8th day of 
First month, 1859. when a large and solemn meet- 
ing was held, and a number of testimonies borne 
to her worth, and to the efficacy of the ever 
blessed '' Truth as it is in Jesus/' 



240 MKMORIAL OF 



A Mimorial ()f our late Friend Josiah Halstbd, 
(Icceaai'd, 

Feeling that surviving friends have sustained a 
great loss, in the removal from works to rewards, 
of this our friend, a concern is felt to preserve a 
memorial of him, in order to stimulate others, to 
mind the same light he was concerned to walk in, 
and which guided him to the true haven of rest, 
where we doubt not, his redeemed spirit has safely 
landed. 

He was born in Westchester County the twenti- 
eth day of Seventh month, 1800. His parents, 
David and Judith Halsted, were exemplary mem- 
bers of the society of Friends, and were deeply con- 
cerned to bring up their children in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord ; and their labors 
were indeed blest, seeing their son endeavoring to 
follow their counsel. 

He was from his early youth of a steady turn 
of mind, careful not to do any thing to hurt the 
feelings of his parents, or bring condemnation on 
himself. 

When he was about two years of age, his 
parents moved and settled with their family in 
Dutchess County, within the verge of Creek 
Monthly Meeting, where he ever after resided. 



JOSIAK HALSTED. 241 

In the twenty-second year of his age he joined 
in marriage with Mary G, daughter of Peter and 
Mary Hatfield, and settled near his parents. His 
occupation being that of a farmer, he was indus- 
trious and economical, and by his steady, upright 
manner of doing business, his labors were blest. 
He was particularly guarded against any kind of 
speculation, believing it to be injurious, often 
warning others of the tendency it had to unsettle 
the mind, and unfit it for true and substantial en- 
joyment, and always endeavored to discourage a 
disposition to mingle with the many and various 
excitements of the day. 

Being of a cheerful open disposition it won for 
him the esteem and respect of all who knew him, 
and the kindness of his heart led him into sympa- 
thy with those under suffering, and his ever ready 
hand was oft stretched out for their relief. 

He loved the company of his friends, and the 
cordiality with which he entertained them, ren- 
dered his home pleasant to all. 

He spent most of his leisure moments in reading, 
but careful in the selection of his books, giving 
the scriptures of truth the preference at all times, 
often saying he had always prized them from his 
youth, and frequently spent a portion of the even- 
ing in reading for the benefit of his family. He 
was zealous in the attendance of religious meet- 
16 



1242 MEMORIAL OF 

ings, saying he believed the time spent in this 
important duty, would be amply rewarded. 

Being deeply concerned for the welfare of so- 
ciety, he was enabled to fill the various appoint- 
ments in meetings of business, much to the satii 
faction of his friends. 

His last sickness was short, but borne with much 
composure and entire resignation, saying ** the 
conflict will soon be over, then all will be peace, 
perfect peace." Being favored with his mental 
faculties to the last, he gave such advice to his 
family as his strength would permit, then being 
perfectly calm, it appeared his day's work was done; 
thus giving evidence that he had not followed 
cunningly devised fables, but that his mind was 
established on the sure foundation. He departed 
this life the twenty-ninth of Seventh month, 1858, 
in the fifty-ninth year of his age. His funeral 
took place first of Eighth month, at Creek Meet- 
ing House, where a large and solemn meeting wa« 
held on the occasion. 



"m 



JUDITH HALSTED. 24S 

A Memorial of our Friend Judith Halsted, 
deceased. 

With a hope that a review of the life of this 
truly exemplary person, may prove an incentive 
to those that are left, to endeavor to emulate her 
Tirtues ; a concern is felt to preserve the follow- 
ing memorial concerning her. 

She was born in the Town of North Castle, 
Westchester County, on the third of Eighth 
month, 1780. Her parents, John and Judith 
Griffin, were worthy members of the society of 
Friends, from whom she received such counsel 
and advice as she found profitable to follow 
through the whole course of her life. In the 
twentieth year of her age she joined in marriage 
with our late friend David Halsted, to whom she 
proved atrue help-mate, not only in regard to their 
temporal affairs, but by her humble, consistent 
walking, was enabled at times to speak an encoura- 
ging word to him in his spiritual exercises. They 
removed soon after their marriage to Dutchess 
County, within the verge of Creek Monthly Meet- 
ing, where they ever after resided. And as the 
care of a family devolved upon her, she manifested 
a tender concern, that she might instruct and di- 
rect them in the true path, always careful that 



244 MEMORIAL OF 

her example should correspond with her precepts. 
From memorandums left^ written by herself, we 
find she was often led to reflect on the uncertainty 
of time, and fervently to desire that she might so 
live as to receive an inheritance among those that 
have come through much tribulation, and been 
made perfect through sufiferings. 

In the year eighteen-hundred and thirty she 
experienced a close trial in the death of a beloved 
daughter, when she writes thus — twenty-seventh of 
Seventh month, 1830. ''Reflecting on the uncer- 
tainty of my stay here, strong have been my de- 
sires that my dear children may fulfil the first com- 
mandment, which is love, as this will give strength 
to endure with patience whatever may be per- 
mitted to come upon them.'' 

In the year 1839 she met with a still closer trial 
in the death of her husband, and in a few months 
after, of another daughter ; but expressed a de- 
sire that she might not give out under affliction, 
and thus writes, ** Feeling myself stripped of the 
dear companion of my life, may it please thee, 
Oh Holy One ! to be my support under the many 
close trials that are meted out to me, well know- 
ing that except thou art pleased to give strength 
all my feeble efforts are vain. I have desired that I 
may be preserved from murmuring, knowing that 
the Judge of all the earth will do right. It will 



JUDITH HALSTED. 245 

be but a little while and I shall be numbered with 
the silent dead ; only let it stimulate me to be 
also ready, well knowing ' the ways of Truth are 
ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.' 
I am confirmed that I have never changed my 
views concerning the things that belong to my 
everlasting peace, for I have ever believed that 
they who fear the Lord and work righteousness 
will be accepted of Him. 

*' And my desire oft arises that I may so live that 
honor may be brought to His ever worthy name 
who has seen meet to place us here, in order to 
praise and glorify Him on earth, that we may 
enjoy Him in realms of eternal day. And I want 
my dear children to know that I have not followed 
cunningly devised fables, but a living and eternal 
substance. 

''Although they may have witnessed many weak- 
nesses in me, may it stimulate them to more 
watchfulness, for my mind is at peace, sweet 
Heavenly peace, which the world cannot give, 
nor take away. And I believe the same power- 
ful voice that called the Prophet when a child, is 
calling to the children and people in this day, 
which if they obeyed, as the Prophet did, there 
would be ** judges raised as at the first, and coun- 
sellors as at the beginning, who at times have to 
weep as between the porch and the altar saying, 



24G MEMORIAL OF 

spare thy people, Oh Lord ! and give not thy her- 
ritage to reproach/* 

Being of a social disposition, possessing a cul- 
tivated mind, with a benevolent and sympathizing 
heart, her society was much valued by her friends, 
and having learned in the school of experience, 
she was qualified to administer a word in season 
to those under exercises and discouragements. 
She was deeply concerned fur the promotion of 
the good order of our Society, and in our meetings 
for discipline. She was frequently led to exhort 
friends to greater faithfulness, and so '' stir up the 
pure mind by way of remembrance/* and often ex- 
pressed the peace of mind she felt when returning 
from meetings, saying, *• what a favor, that we 
have a sure reward for every act of duty.** She 
filled the various appointments in society, much to 
the satisfaction of friends, standing in the capacity 
of an Elder nearly forty years. 

Her last sickness was borne with a cheerful- 
ness and calmness, as might be expected of one 
who had led such a life, and quietly did she 
await her release from bodily suflFering. 

Her intellect was preserved clear to the last — 
she spoke of the approaching event with composure 
and sweetness of spirit, saying to her family, 
** that her day's work was done, and that she had 



THOMAS FARRINGTON. 247 

endeavored to have her accounts in readiness for 
the great and final change." 

She departed this life the tenth day of Third 
month, 1858, in the 78th year of her age. Thus 
closed the work of one, evincing to those around 
her that '* the work of Righteousness is peace, and 
the effect thereof quietness and assurance for- 
ever." 



A Testimony qfSkappaqua Monthly Meeting, con- 
cerning our esteemed friend , Thomas Far- 
RINQTON, deceased. 

In forming a memorial for our esteemed friend, 
Thomas Farrington, the encouraging language of 
our Saviour, '* There is more joy in Heaven, over 
one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and 
nine, just persons who need no repentance," ap- 
pears strikingly appropriate. And we present 
this testimony to the world, that it may serve as 
a landmark, to increase the faith of those who are 
endeavoring to walk in the straight and narrow 
path, as well as to encourage the degraded and 
fallen, to return to the path of virtue and peace. 

He was born fifth of Twelfth month, 1778. His 
parents, Edward and Phebe Farrington, were 



248 MRMORTAL OP 

members of our religious society, consequently, 
Thomas was a birthright member. It appears in 
younger life ho gave way to intemperance, which 
drew him asick* from li^s friends, and as he ex- 
pressed himself, *' I justly forfeited all claim to 
membership." 

Spirituous liquors, had taken such hold of him, 
that he had almost lost his free agency. 

And using his own words, '' going counter to 
that light, and knowledge, which was made mani- 
fest in the secret of my soul, again, and again, I 
made covenant with my God, for, of myself I was 
not able to do any good thing; I was plucked as 
a brand from the burning, and my feet taken from 
the mire, and the clay, and set upon the banks of 
heartfelt deliverance, to speak forth praises to my 
Heavenly Father." 

He requested, and was again received a mem- 
ber of our society in the fifty-ninth year of his age, 
and was a steady attender of all our meetings, 
going mostly on foot, and soon became an able 
minister of the gospel, strengthening many minds 
in the earnest zeal he manifested for the cause 
of truth. He said he had spent so much of his life 
in doing worse than nothing, that now he had but 
little time, to do his Father's will, and must do 
with all his might. 

His travels in the ministry were not extensive, 



THOMAS FARRINGTON. 249 

yet several times was he called from home, to do 
his Master's will, within the limits of his own 
Yearly Meeting ; which service we believe, he was 
enabled to perform, to the peace of his own mind, 
and to the general satisfaction of his friends. 
He bore a faithful testimony to the corrupting in- 
fluence of an hireling ministry, whilst love, charity, 
and peace, he held forth as the noblest virtues. 

Often was he led to review his past life, and to 
speak in public of the path that he had trod, yes, 
when a wretched inebriate, despised, and forsaken 
by earthly friends, sunk as it were in a horrible 
pit, bound in the prison bonds of earthly passions, 
and selfish will ; and though at the time darkness 
was around about him, yet through it all, he 
heard ** the still small voice of his Divine Master's 
love '' inviting him to return. 

At such times, desires would arise within him, 
that he might be raised from the fallen state, and 
he would resolve to reform. 

Often did he determine that he would no more 
raise the intoxicating cup to his lips — and as often 
failed, for such resolves, made by the strength of 
his own will, were as inscriptions made on sand, 
swept away by the first breath of temptation, and 
he again, and again, plunged into a state almost 
of despair — and it was not until after many such 
struggles, many fierce conflicts, that be was made 



I 



260 MEMORIAL OP 

willing to surrender body and soul, unto the God 
of all. A new song was then put in his mouth, 
and he was made an instrument by the Lord's 
hand, to raise the warning voice to transgressors, 
and to entreat the return of the straying prodigal. 
And we feel bound to record, that his public com- 
munications gave abundant evidence of the Divine 
power. His last sickness was protracted, and of 
great bodily suffering, which he bore with chris- 
tian fortitude, yet there were seasons when clouds 
encompassed his mind, and he had to go down in 
suffering, and deep baptism, and had to exclaim 
with our Saviour, *'my God, my God why hast 
thou forsaken me,'' and then add, '* I must go 
down with him in suffering and death, if I know 
an arising with him in Glory." 

He expressed to a friend that visited him, his 
fears, that the Good Master would forsake him', he 
had done so little for his cause ; the friend an- 
swered, thy Master never has forsaken thee, since 
thou hast given up with full purpose of heart to 
serve him ; he quickly replied I know that well. 

A short time previous to bis departure on being 
seated on his chair with his family, at the tea 
table, after sitting in silence he broke forth with 
these words, " I can eat no more bread, until I 
eat it anew, in my Heavenly Father's kingdom, 
where none can say they are sick, and where they 



THOMAS FARRINGION. 251 

need not the light of the sun, or the moon, for the 
Glory of the Lord, God, and the Lamb, is the light 
thereof.'' 

'' May thy will ! righteous Father be done in 
me ; if I live, let it be to thy Glory, and honor ; 
if I die, let it be in thy blessed cause ; be pleased 
to continue to be with me, in the dark valley of the 
shadow of death, and I shall fear no evil." 

He interceded to the throne of Grace for his 
friends, and for all his fellow heirs, bound for a 
never ending eternity. His petition was long, 
and full of love, and power, to the breaking of 
heavenly bread, so that every soul was satisfied, 
believing his work was nearly done, and well done, 
and could say with him, now dear father, let thou 
thy servant depart in peace, for our eyes have seen 
thy salvation. 

We fully believe, he went to sleep in this prayer- 
ful state, in the arms of his Saviour's love, in the 
eightieth year of his age, on the twenty-first of 
Ninth month, 1858; and we doubt not, has enter- 
ed that blessed state, where all is light; where 
the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary 
are at rest. 



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